Real Madrid Reportedly Join Bruno Fernandes Race

Real Madrid are reportedly the latest club to show an interest in Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

According to Record (h/t Jonathan Meaney of AS), Los Blancos are ready to rival Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Portugal international, who has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer window.

It's suggested Real Madrid have held talks with agent Jorge Mendes in regards to brokering a possible deal for the Sporting star.

The M.A.J Twitter account relayed the front page of Record, which noted the interest in the player from the Madrid giants: 

Per Sport Witness, A Bola also make reference to Real Madrid being linked with Fernandes, although say the club don't have a serious interest in the playmaker.

Sky Sports News reported earlier in the week that Tottenham Hotspur have already held talks with Sporting representatives over a possible transfer, as they see Fernandes as a possible alternative to Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso.

In the same piece, it's said while United hold an interest in Fernandes, he is not a priority target for the Old Trafford outfit.

The calibre of teams linked with the 24-year-old is a testament to the campaign he enjoyed in 2018-19, when he was the standout player in Portuguese football.

The UEFA Europa League Twitter account took a look at what he is capable of producing: 

Football journalist Harry Sherlock noted that Fernandes also doesn't mind getting stuck in to tackles, albeit he can often overstep the mark: 

Recent reports suggest Los Blancos are on the hunt for a new midfielder, too, despite already spending in excess of €300 million in the market so far.

Throughout the summer, there has been speculation linking Madrid with a move for Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba. Recently, Ajax star Donny van de Beek has also confirmed the La Liga giants have been in touch with him regarding a potential move, per Fox Sports (h/t Carlos Forjanes of AS).

Janusz Michallik of ESPN commented on the team's struggles in this area of the field during pre-season: 

Where Fernandes moves to is set to be one of the most interesting stories in the final stages of the transfer window. While he's shone in Portuguese football, a move to the Premier League or to La Liga would be a big step up in class for him.

Madrid have long depended on the imperious trio of Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Casemiro at the hub of the team, but last season they all struggled at various points. Fernandes' flair and goal threat would be a welcome addition.