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Where do Tottenham stand on signing Sporting’s Bruno Fernandes?

By Gary Pearson

LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 5: Bruno Fernandes of Sporting CP with Hamed Traore of Empoli FC in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Empoli FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on August 5, 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
LISBON, PORTUGAL - AUGUST 5: Bruno Fernandes of Sporting CP with Hamed Traore of Empoli FC in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Empoli FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on August 5, 2018 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images) /
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Conflicting reports have supporters wondering whether Tottenham are in the running to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Bruno Fernandes. 

Reports are as clear as the London sky during a violent thunderstorm. FourFourTwo say Manchester United, who have bid £70 million with an extra £10 million in bonuses, are in the driver’s seat to sign the 24-year-old.

The latest, however, has Tottenham making a final push to sign the Portuguese international. A Bola, a Portuguese news outlet that sounds more like a life-threatening contagion, believes Spurs have bid £68 million for Fernandes, an offer devoid of any bonuses or incentives.

It is also thought that Fernandes is more partial, if moving to England is on the cards, to signing with Spurs, mostly because of his desire to play under Mauricio Pochettino.

Sporting is adamant their marked man is worth at least £70 million, so it’s extremely unlikely he’ll be sold for anything less.

The Daily Star, a publication as reliable as Ryanair’s reservation policy, reports that Liverpool are starting to show interest, a move that will also appeal to Fernandes, who is said to thoroughly enjoy Jurgen Klopp’s management style.

Inter Milan and Atletico Madrid might also be in the running, which could prove decisive. Fernandes’ playing style and flair, along with his predisposition for playing in ideal weather, make a move to Spain probable.

Bruno garnered international headlines after a prolific 2018-19 campaign in which he scored 20 goals, adding 13 helpers in 33 appearances.

Gifted with boundless potential and an incredible puritan’s skill set, Fernandes dictates play with his ability to find a pass from almost anywhere. Keeping defenders guessing, he is also neat and tidy with the ball at his feet.

Unsurprisingly, Fernandes is seen as a direct replacement for Christian Eriksen, who is probably on his way out of north London.

Julian Draxler, who was also rumoured to replace the Dane, recently said he has “no intention of leaving” PSG, quashing that speculation.

Next. Should Tottenham break the bank to keep Christian Eriksen?. dark

With so many possible destinations for Fernandes, it’s hard for anyone affiliated with Tottenham, who haven’t made a signing since the Middle Ages (Lucas Moura on January 31st, 2018), to feel optimistic about the prospect of signing such an influential midfield talent.