NEW Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly ready to take on Manchester United in a transfer war for Bruno Fernandes.
The Independent claims Sporting Lisbon’s free-scoring midfield star could wind up in North London this January after being targeted by the Special One.
New Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is lining up a move for Sporting Lisbon star Bruno FernandesCredit: EPA
Mourinho was confirmed as Mauricio Pochettino’s successor in a shock announcement on Tuesday morning.
And he has apparently wasted no time in identifying targets to improve Spurs’ fortunes.
The capital club lie 14th in the Premier League table, winning just three of their opening 12 games.
Tottenham are already 11 points off the top four, and Mourinho feels a few signings in the right positions can fire them back up the table.
It’s said that Fernandes is his top target ahead of the winter transfer window, with the Portugal international making headlines with 31 goals for Sporting last season.
The Primeira Liga side need to sell players after racking up £57million in debt.
And Fernandes is said to be available for around £63m, attracting interest from Mourinho’s former club Manchester United.
Pochettino had already been looking at Fernandes as an option to replace contract rebel Christian Eriksen.
But Mourinho is ready to go a step further by making a move for the attacking ace.
Fernandes is sure to be given a key role at Spurs should a deal go through, with Mourinho praising him highly in June.
The tactician told Eleven Sports: “I was surprised by his season. It was easy to predict quality, he is a very good player.
“But he scored a very high number of goals for a midfielder. It shows you need to have instinct and quality to score, and he has it all.
“He strikes the ball well, heads well, cool when he is one-on-one with the goalkeeper. He finds space in the penalty area. It’s all there.”
SunSport explained yesterday that Fernandes is one of five players who could be targeted by Mourinho this winter.
Other possible signings for Spurs include Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, Juventus striker Paulo Dybala, West Ham anchorman Declan Rice and Nice right-back Youcef Atal.
How Jose Mourinho could line up Tottenham with Atal, Dybala and Fernandes joining Kane and Son in formidable side
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
