Bayern Munich have reportedly considered bringing Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes to the club as an alternative to Florian Wirtz.
The Bavarians had long thought to be the favourites to sign Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, with the club prepared to pay significant funds to land arguably their Bundesliga rivals' best player.
However, reports emerged on Friday that Liverpool are the 22-year-old's preferred destination, and that could force Bayern boss Vincent Kompany to look for alternatives.
Signing an attacking talent could be of paramount importance given Thomas Muller will not be at the club next season, Harry Kane will be 32 next term, and Leroy Sane looks certain to leave.
The Independent claims that Bayern may look to take advantage of Manchester United's poor financial health and sign their captain Fernandes.
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How would Fernandes fit in?
Fernandes has enjoyed a strong individual campaign even though United as a team have faltered, scoring 19 goals and providing a further 17 assists in all competitions this term.
If he was to join Bayern, then there could be a battle for the number 10 position behind Kane given Jamal Musiala prefers to operate behind the team's striker.
However, Musiala is far more comfortable in wide zones than Fernandes, and he could be moved across to the left in order to accommodate the 30-year-old, with Michael Olise starting on the right.
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How would United replace Fernandes?
United have been strongly linked to Wolverhampton Wanderers' Matheus Cunha, and he would likely come into the team as one of Ruben Amorim's two attacking midfielders.
Amad Diallo has also shown promise in an advanced role, so perhaps he could be trusted to help mitigate the loss of Fernandes, and his promotion would allow Amorim to divert funds to other areas of the pitch.
The club will no doubt need to bring in a striker if they are to replace the impact of Fernandes, who leads the way in the team for goals.
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Lewis Nolan
