BRUNO FERNANDES said “adeus” to his Sporting Lisbon amigos as he closed in on a £60million transfer to Manchester United.
The Portugal midfielder and Sporting captain is set to sign a five-year deal at Old Trafford once the two clubs sort out their wrangling over how the fee will be paid.
Dejected Fernandes (left) after his Sporting Lisbon side are beaten in their derby in what could be his last matchCredit: AFP OR LICENSORS
United only want to pay around £25m initially with the rest in bonuses but Lisbon are holding out for a much bigger up-front fee.
Fernandes, 25, said his last goodbyes to his team-mates after playing in last night’s home clash with rivals Benfica which the visitors won 2-0.
The midfielder led the team out to a deafening reception.
And cheers greeted his every touch of the ball in his final appearance after three years at the club.
During the match he showed glimpses of the player United are getting with some tough tackles combined with plenty of silky passes.
He looked the best player on the pitch in the first half.
But the Eagles won with two late goals.
The match had been delayed at the start of the second half when Lisbon fans threw flares onto the pitch.
In ten minutes of injury time, Rafa Silva grabbed his second goal of the match.
At the end Fernandes stood in the centre circle with his head bowed.
Sporting coach Silas knows Fernandes can make a big impact in England.
He said: “I understand this kind of player deserves to be in a good league.
“Nobody has any doubt the Premier League is the best in the world and Bruno is one of the best players in the world.
“We will try to keep him for more games, but it’s not up to us. The only wish I have is the best for him.”
The player is thought to have agreed terms on a £120,000-a-week deal at United.
Once the two clubs can agree on the payment structure, it is thought the Portuguese will put pen to paper.
Lisbon have to pay half the fee to Sampdoria, his old club, so are holding out for more, while United are trying to tie the deal up in bonuses and clauses based on them winning the Premier League and the Champions League.
Fernandes is set to watch United play Liverpool, at Anfield tomorrow.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
