Tottenham Transfer News: Sporting Midfielder Bruno Fernandes Reportedly Targeted

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly interested in signing Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes, although the 23-year-old is said to have an £87 million release clause.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is keen to strengthen his midfield, and chairman Daniel Levy will try to negotiate a lower fee if the club do move for Fernandes this summer, per A Bola (h/t Sam McEvoy for MailOnline).

Fernandes only joined Sporting from Sampdoria in June 2017 but has become a key player for Jorge Jesus' side. He has 13 goals and 13 assists for Sporting in all competitions in his first season with his new club, per Scouted Football:

Sporting are third in the table in Portugal but remain in contention in the UEFA Europa League. However, they face a tough tie in the quarter-finals after being drawn against Atletico Madrid.

WhoScored.com showed how Fernandes has also impressed in Europe:

The midfielder is a sharp, busy player who knits the attack together and also contributes his fair share of goals. He is enjoying a superb season and will be hoping to be part of the Portugal squad for the FIFA 2018 World Cup.

Fernandes was called up for the international friendlies in March and featured in both the win over Egypt and the defeat to the Netherlands.

Ed Malyon at The Independent said he's a player anyone would want in their team:

Tottenham may look to strengthen their team in the summer in a bid to challenge for the Premier League title and in Europe. Spurs are some way behind leaders Manchester City but should be able to secure UEFA Champions League football.

They were knocked out of the tournament by Juventus at the last-16 stage this season and will need to invest if they want to progress and seriously challenge Europe's top sides for honours.

There's no doubting Fernandes' potential, but he's still far from the finished article, and it seems unlikely Spurs would be prepared to smash their transfer record to bring him to north London.