United still working on Fernandes deal

Fernandes has been the subject of the longest-running transfer saga of the January window with United steadfastly refusing to meet the player's asking price after Sporting suddenly demanded almost 50% more than they did last summer.

The 25-year-old has played every game for the Lisbon club during the negotiations and the midfielder lead Sporting out at Estadio Jose Alvalade once more on Monday evening in a 1-0 victory over Maritimo.

It seemed that any deal was deadlocked last week when reports emerged that stated the two clubs were as much as £10 million apart in their valuation of Fernandes.

The Times has now reported that United have increased their bid for the midfielder to an initial £46.4 million but Sporting still expect a better offer from another club for the Portugal international.