Manchester United have reportedly launched an improved bid for Bruno Fernandes.
United had been hopeful of getting a deal done for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder this month, but the two clubs have so far been apart in their transfer valuations.
An initial offer of around £42.5m was made for the Portugal international, plus bonuses, but Sporting rejected the bid.
They are looking for around £50m up front from the Red Devils but United hope their latest offer can tempt Sporting into doing business.
The Times reports United submitted a new bid for Fernandes on Saturday, worth £46.4m, including performance-related bonuses.
Sporting are reportedly beginning to lower their demands and there is a growing hope at Old Trafford that a deal can be reached.
Former United striker Michael Owen isn't convinced though and fears Fernandes may struggle to make the step up to the Premier League.
"Something’s going wrong fundamentally at the club where they’re not getting the best out of them.
“I think that’s what you’ve got to find out first before you just go and blow another £100m.
“At the minute, as we’ve all said, there’s scattergun signings, there’s scattergun tactics, there’s scattergun everything.
“That’s why I’d be so hesitant if I was holding the purse strings at Manchester United just to go ‘Yeah, go on, go and sign another £100-200m player’ - it’s going to be a waste again.”
