Report: Tottenham Official in Lisbon to Negotiate Bruno Fernandes Transfer

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly sent an official to Lisbon to negotiate the transfer of Bruno Fernandes, who has also been heavily linked with Manchester United.

According to Portuguese outlet RTP (h/t Lucas Sposito of Sport Witness), a Spurs representative will deal directly with Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas, with the Lions not prepared to accept anything less than €65 million (£59 million) for their star playmaker.     

Per O Jogo (h/t Sposito), Tottenham have already had a €45 million (£41 million) offer turned down. 

United were recently said to be "close" to acquiring the 24-year-old:

But the Manchester giants have yet to submit an offer, per RTP (h/t Sposito). 

Fernandes enjoyed a brilliant 2018-19 campaign with Sporting as he netted 20 goals and provided 13 assists in 33 appearances in the Portuguese top flight.

Given he does not play as a striker—but as a No. 10—his contribution was remarkable: 

And in Sporting's pre-season, he has picked up where he left off, netting four goals in five appearances.

Spurs could benefit from adding a player of Fernandes' quality. Not only could he take some of the goalscoring pressure off Harry Kane, but he would also add creative depth that the north London club lack.

Christian Eriksen is Spurs' chief playmaker, but he has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.

Even if the Denmark international stays into next season, he and Fernandes could likely link up well while playing behind Kane in a potent attack.