Premier League champions Manchester City have reportedly held talks with Sporting Lisbon about the potential signing of midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The 24-year-old Portugal international has been heavily linked with Manchester United over the summer, but their city rivals appear to be looking to beat them to his signature this summer.
Portuguese media outlet Correio da Manha reports that City have been holding talks with Sporting president Frederico Varandas over building a partnership between the two clubs to sign top young players from around the globe.
The report goes on to suggest that City have used this opportunity to stake their claims to sign Fernandes, with a bid of around £40m from the Etihad Stadium having already been rejected.
With the Portuguese club looking for a fee closer to £63m, the report states that Manchester United remain favourites to sign the player who scored 31 goals from 50 appearances in the 2018-19 season.
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