Man Utd and Spurs blow in pursuit of Bruno Fernandes as Real Madrid enter race for £63m playmaker – The Sun

MANCHESTER UNITED and Spurs have been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Bruno Fernandes as Real Madrid have reportedly joined the race for the £63million playmaker.

The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the Sporting midfielder for months but have struggled to agree on a fee.

Mauricio Pochettino's side attempted to move to the front of the queue by flying an official out to Lisbon for talks but their offer was also rebuffed.

But according to Portuguese daily Record, Madrid have now entered the race as they struggle to tie up a deal for their number one midfield target, Paul Pogba.

The report claims that Los Blancos have entrusted super-agent Jorge Mendes to facilities talks between the two clubs and Zinedine Zidane has given his consent.

Real have been frustrated in their efforts to land Pogba thus far despite the Frenchman making every effort to force a move away from Old Trafford.

His agent, Mino Raiola, has also been attempting to put the pressure on and has publicly admitted his client’s desire to quit the club.

Pogba then reportedly made a new attempt to force a summer exit by failing to show up for United's flight to Cardiff for the friendly against AC Milan.

Zidane is thought to have lined up Ajax's Donny Van de Beek as a Plan B if he fails to land his compatriot, but Fernandes has now been listed as another option.

The Sporting star bagged 32 goals and grabbed 18 assists last season and the Primeira Liga side are remaining firm on the price tag for their captain.

The 24-year-old dropped a massive hint that his time in Portugal could be up after he cried following Marcel Keizer's sides friendly against Valencia.

But Real hold an advantage over both United and Spurs with their transfer deadline not shutting until September 2, whereas both the Prem giants will need to complete a deal by Thursday.

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