Bruno Fernandes is close to completing a move to Manchester United, according to reports.
The Portuguese midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League since the summer, with United and Tottenham Hotspur both in the race for his signature.
Fernandes has been named in Sporting's squad for their clash against Benfica on Friday night, but is expected to fly to England to complete his move to Old Trafford after the match.
According to Sky Sports, the deal is expected to go through, but an announcement from United may not be as imminent as expected, based on an image which was widely circulated on social media on Thursday.
The picture, as reported by the Manchester Evening News, appears to show Fernandes wearing a United t-shirt and conducting an interview with the club's media team ahead of an official confirmation.
However, the picture is not real and was photoshopped from an interview with United winger Daniel James following his summer move from Swansea.
Speaking on Friday, United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer refused to discuss how close United were to signing Fernandes.
"I can’t tell you about any players that play for other teams, no," he told reporters.
"We’re focusing on this team at the moment."
Sporting Lisbon manager Silas had earlier confirmed that his star midfielder would take part in the derby clash with Benfica.
He said: "The only certainty I have is that Bruno will be [there].
"We have prepared the game with him, trained very well, he is an extraordinary player and is the best player in the league.
"Bruno is not worth that money, much more."
