Ole Gunnar Solskjaer 'makes plea to Ed Woodward' as Man Utd step up Bruno Fernandes chase

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a plea to the Manchester United board to put up the funds to sign Bruno Fernandes, according to reports from Portugal.

Fernandes has emerged as one of the Red Devils' top summer targets but Manchester United are yet to make a bid for the Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

As things stand United are trying to complete a deal for Harry Maguire first, but are struggling to agree on a transfer fee with Leicester City.

Fernandes would set the Red Devils back around £50million, with Sporting Lisbon standing firm on their valuation of their prized asset. United only want to spend around £30million.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made a plea to the Manchester United board (RICHARD WAINWRIGHT/EPA-EFE/REX)

Portuguese publication Correio da Manha, per SportWitness, is reporting that Solskjaer has told the United board to put up more money to make the transfer happen.

But he is having a hard time convincing Manchester United chiefs that the Portugal international is worth the additional financial outlay.

Bruno Fernandes has emerged as one of the Red Devils' top summer targets (SIPA USA/PA Images)

United board are allegedly not convinced that Fernandes is a £50million player because he is yet to play in the Champions League.

Of course, the Red Devils will not be playing in the European competition next season, but they want to attract a higher calibre of player for such a huge financial outlay.