Bruno Fernandes wants assurances from Manchester United over the club’s ambitions before committing his future to Old Trafford.
The United captain is a robust contender to win the PFA player of the season award after a sensational campaign in Manchester, now just two assists away from breaking the all-time Premier League record.
The 31-year-old was on the point of leaving the club at the top of last season, nevertheless, with Saudi side Al-Hilal making a proposal of £100million to prise him away from Manchester.
United were prepared to let their skipper go but after consulting his family, the Portugal international decided to remain.
Fernandes does have a release clause, thought to face at £56m, which reportedly becomes energetic until the first-half of July.
The midfielder has won the Carabao Cup and FA Cup in his six years at United. But in his recent interview with club legend Wayne Rooney, he underlined his ambitions to challenge for and win the Premier League and Champions League – a normal United have been well in need of since his arrival from Sporting CP.
The Day by day Telegraph report United are eager to keep their captain beyond this summer, making it clear to him he stays integral to their plans going forward.
However the skipper will want assurances from the club over their ambitions. While it is just not clear at this stage if Fernandes is waiting to see which players are signed this summer, United hope a successful window will ease his concerns and leave the club primed to challenge for the most important honours next season.
Rebuilding in midfield is the priority at Old Trafford this summer. With Casemiro set to depart, United are in need of at the least two recent players with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni their top targets.
With Manuel Ugarte also expected to maneuver on, it would go away Kobbie Mainoo because the only established central midfielder on the club. A 3rd midfielder is due to this fact a possibility with Carlos Baleba still of interest after a move for the Brighton star last summer.
Fernandes’ current deal expires at the top of next season but United do have an option to increase that by an additional 12 months.
MORE: Chelsea urged to make shock offer to sign ‘outstanding’ £43m Man City star
MORE: Gary Neville names three ‘dream’ and ‘realistic’ signings for Man Utd
MORE: Lee Dixon says Man Utd star is an ‘Arsenal player’ – but Mikel Arteta ‘can’t trust him’