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    Report: Tottenham Official in Lisbon to Negotiate Bruno Fernandes Transfer

    Rory Marsden@@roomarsdenFeatured ColumnistAugust 1, 2019

    LISBON, PORTUGAL - JULY 28: Bruno Fernandes of Sporting CP in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and Valencia CF at Estadio Jose Alvalade on July 28, 2019 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
    Gualter Fatia/Getty Images

    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:

    B/R Football @brfootball

    @DiMarzio These numbers last season 🤯 https://t.co/twgrKbHFTp

    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: 

    Statman Dave @StatmanDave

    Bruno Fernandes directly contributed to 6.8 shots per game in Liga NOS last season: • 3.6 shots per game • 3.2 key passes per game Outrageous output from midfield. 🤯 https://t.co/DnhpThJFnl

    Report: Tottenham Official in Lisbon to Negotiate Bruno Fernandes Transfer
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    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.