Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to provide any update on Manchester United's interest in Bruno Fernandes.
United are exploring a possible deal for Fernandes, 25, before the January transfer window closes on January 31 just five months after club sources expressed their 'irritation' at planted stories in the Portuguese media about the player.
The MEN understands United regard the £50million rated Fernandes as an appealing mid-season addition following injuries to midfielders Scott McTominay and Paul Pogba. Fernandes has scored 14 goals and assisted 13 for Sporting this term and is expected to start for Portugal at the European Championship.
United are approaching the topic of Fernandes with much trepidation due to past experiences with Portuguese clubs. United recognise they have been used to whip up an auction for Portugal-based players or smoke out actual interested parties and Solskjaer was unwilling to even admit the club are working on a transfer.
"I've got no transfer updates, so no," Solskjaer said. "If we get something that we can tell you about we will, but I've got no news now."
Fernandes only signed a new contract in November but the renewal was seen as a measure by Sporting to protect their prized asset and United effectively have a free run at the player. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur considered moves for Fernandes in the summer.
Solskjaer reiterated he has the resources to reinforce the squad this month after United finished third in the annual Deloitte Money League table with £627.1m in revenue.
United are said to be 'at risk' of losing their status as the Premier League's highest revenue generating club next year, though Solskjaer was unconcerned.
"For me, the most important thing is we get results sorted," Solskjaer added. "Get performances on the pitch, that's got to be my focus. But I know we've got the resources, we've got the backing if we need to go into the transfer market.
"We are still up there, so still in a good place."
