Barcelona plan 'three-way manoeuvre' to sign Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes

Bruno Fernandes Sporting Lisbon

The Sporting Lisbon midfielder Fernandes has been a target for Manchester United for some time, spanning back to last summer.

United were thought to be close to signing the Portuguese midfielder but it's reported the clubs are still apart on valuation.

The most striking element of the report is that it's claimed Fernandes could then be sent on loan to Valencia as part of a 'three-way manoeuvre'.

Barcelona have reportedly been pursuing a deal for Valencia's Rodrigo Moreno and could use Fernandes in a deal for the forward.

Valencia have apparently refused other players as potential makeweights from La Blaugrana, such as Nelson Semedo.

It's believed that Barcelona are some way down the line in negotiations with Sporting and could strike a deal this week.

The 25-year-old, who scored 32 goals from midfield last season, is very highly rated within the Catalan club.

By signing Fernandes, they would get a goalscoring midfielder for next season and a centre-forward to replace Suarez for the remainder of this campaign.

Fernandes has 15 goals and 14 assists to date this season and is valued at around €60m.

Pep Guardiola isn't just losing on the pitch this season, but off it as well