BRUNO Fernandes has emerged as a shock £90million target for Real Madrid.
Daily Star Sport can reveal that Real, the most-successful club in the world, have been represented at virtually every Manchester United match recently – both at home and away.
And the subject of their scouting missions is Old Trafford star Fernandes, 30, creating a major dilemma for the cash-strapped United hierarchy.
United boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t want to lose his inspirational captain, but United’s desire to make cuts and raise money means they would have to consider a big offer for the midfielder.
Real are planning a squad overhaul at the end of the season, which includes the signing of England right back Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool on a free transfer.
And Fernandes is being eyed as a top signing who could also be a potential successor to Luka Modric, 39.
The former Tottenham midfielder recently became the oldest player to appear for Real in their trophy-laden history.
But Modric, after a stellar career, is out of contract at the end of the season. And even if he signs a 12-month deal, his time in the Spanish capital is clearly drawing to a close.
That is one of the reasons Fernandes, under contract at Old Trafford until 2027 – plus the option of an additional year – is in the Bernabeu frame.
A £90m transfer would be United’s record sale, eclipsing the £80m that Real Madrid paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in June 2009. Fernandes joined United in January 2020 from Sporting Lisbon in a £68m deal.
The Portuguese star has 95 goals for the Red Devils in 227 games in all competitions. He is also the club’s top scorer this season, with eight goals in 28 Premier League games, and has been in a rich vein of form since February.
Fernandes bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League at the start of this month and he has notched 16 goals and 16 assists in 44 games in all competitions.
