Reports | Bruno Fernandes tells Sporting Lisbon he wants to leave

Highly rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes has reportedly told the club that he wants to leave this summer, reports the Mirror. The 24-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham his top suitors. Both the Red Devils and Spurs are looking for a new creative attacking midfielder and believe that the Portuguese international is the right man.

Fernandes finished last season with 20 goals and 13 assists in the Liga Nos alone, surpassing Frank Lampard’s record as the highest-scoring midfielder in a single season. That combined with his performances in the Europa League and with Portugal has seen his market value skyrocket, compounded by interest from England.

While Manchester United was supposed to be the top suitors in the race, negotiations have come to a halt, which has seen Tottenham take the lead. The North London side are looking for alternatives to Giovani Lo Celso, their top midfield target and believe that Fernandes is the right man for the job.

However, Tottenham’s initial bid of £55 million was rejected, with Sporting Lisbon holding out for somewhere around £64 million. Both sides are still negotiating a suitable fee for the midfielder, although Manchester United could be back in the race, having finished a deal for Harry Maguire.