Manchester United are always linked with so many players every summer, but two names that have not gone away this summer are Bruno Fernandes and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic — although neither are expected to sign.
The two stars are significant in that they both play in similar positions, similar to Paul Pogba too, which is why United have chosen not to pursue deals and will head beyond today's transfer deadline without signing either player.
That's despite loud calls of 'announce Fernandes' from large sections of the United fanbase on social media; although it has been MEN Sport's understanding that the Reds' interest in the Sporting Lisbon playmaker (which did exist) has been overplayed — particularly by coverage in Portugal. United at one stage were 'irritated' by the coverage.
United had earmarked Fernandes as a possible target early in the summer after being impressed by the 24-year-old's outstanding record last season, when he netted 23 goals from midfield in all competitions. And Sporting have regularly hinted that they would be open to a sale for the right price.
But, as they have done with their pursuit of Christian Eriksen late in the window, United have prioritised keeping Paul Pogba at the club instead of signing a would-be replacement and cooled interest in others.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been adamant that Pogba would remain, despite the player and his agent Mino Raiola both hinting at a move away following comments from Pogba that he wanted a "new challenge", amid interest from Real Madrid.
It's a similar story with Milinkovic-Savic, who despite being linked with United for a second successive summer, looks braced to remain at his club Lazio.
MEN Sport understands the Serbian is keen on the idea of a move away this summer, but would prefer to move to Juventus — a deal which isn't likely to come to fruition.
Like with others, United may have considered Milinkovic-Savic if Pogba was to depart but with the transfer deadline fast approaching for English clubs, the Reds won't let their star man leave without time to sign a replacement. Milinkovic-Savic would cost in excess of €80million but looks likely to remain at Lazio for another season.
United wanted to sign a more defensive-minded midfielder this summer regardless of the Pogba situation, to plug the gaps left by recent departures Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini. But they weren't able to persuade Newcastle to accept anything less than £50million for Sean Longstaff, who was among their top targets in that position.
The status quo hasn't been altered when it has come to United's midfield this summer and Scott McTominay and Andreas Pereira will be asked to step up, alongside Pogba, instead.
