Man Utd jump above Liverpool in chase of Portuguese midfielder

The agent of Fernando has previously stated in January that the midfielder had reached an agreement to sign a new contract at Porto, but the latest developments are that Manchester United are throwing their hat into the mix for his signature.

Fernando’s current contract is up next summer and despite the comments from Antonio Araujo, no new deal has yet been signed.

Given the 26-year-old’s contract situation, he could be snapped up for a cut price in January, with a fee in the region of £8m potentially enough.

Man Utd are lacking a ball winner in the middle of midfield, with Michael Carrick more of a deep-lying passer rather than a stopper that wins back possession.

Fernando fits more into the mould of the latter, a more energetic presence in front of the defence, who enjoys a tackle.

This would not only be an asset to Man Utd in general, but particularly against opposition that break at pace or where someone more physically imposing would be of benefit.

He is a player that Man Utd may remember from their showdowns with Porto in the Champions League in 2009 and in a midfield with Carrick and Juan Mata, the Red Devils would have a bit of everything.

Competition is sure to exist for Fernando’s signature though, with Inter Milan, AC Milan and Napoli all showing previous interest from Italy and Liverpool linked from the Premier League.

Liverpool have already missed out on Mohamed Salah to Chelsea in this transfer window and given their need for midfield reinforcements, it would be a disappointment if another slipped through their fingers.

Fernando could be the difference to whether or not either team manage to qualify for the Champions League next season.

At present, Liverpool’s odds are 10/11 to finish in the top four, with Man Utd priced at 11/5.