BRUNO FERNANDES remains “desperate” to complete a move to Manchester United.
But the Sporting Lisbon star has still been included in the side’s squad for their Portuguese League Cup semi-final.
Sporting are demanding 68million for the 25-year-old midfielder and that demand is putting the move at danger of collapse.
SunSport understands United are willing to offer 42.5m up front with a further 8.5m in add-ons.
But there is little sign of Sporting budging from their valuation and United believe Fernandes is overvalued at that price.
And while Old Trafford chiefs are yet to walk away from the negotiating table, they will not be held to ransom over the Portugal midfielder.
Talks are expected to continue this week.
Sporting head coach Silas believes the player deserves to be competing in the Premier League.
Yet, as things stand, he still has included him in the squad for Tuesday’s Portuguese League Cup semi-final against Braga.
There was a feeling that last Friday night’s Lisbon derby against Benfica would be his last for the club.
United fans were left purring over his skill after he played a sublime 50-yard pass.
But Fernandes remains in Portugal while his representatives attempt to thrash out a deal that United are happy with.
Because Sporting borrowed against the sale of Fernandes last summer, technically they are only due to clear around 50 per cent of any fee.
United were hoping to drive Sportings price down, knowing they are in need of money.
But they are finding the Portuguese outfit –who are said to be closing in on a deal for Fernandes’ replacement– will not be forced to sell on the cheap.
Fernandes is expected to receive wages of around 120,000 a week if the deal gets over the line.
