Manchester United Close in on Goalkeeper Ahead of Bruno Fernandes Deal

Manchester United are close to announcing the signing of Southend United goalkeeper Nathan Bishop, according to reports.

The 20-year-old has been one of the few bright sparks in a dismal season for the Shrimpers who sit second from bottom of League One.

The club's manager Sol Campbell revealed that Bishop was not a part of the squad for their games against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday because he was having a medical at an unnamed club - widely believed to be Manchester United.

BBC Sport reporter Ian Dennis revealed on Twitter that a deal to join ​United is now 'close'.

The England Under-20 international is likely to join up with United's development squad, with David De Gea, Sergio Romero and Dean Henderson (from next season) the club's senior goalkeepers.

Henderson is set to return to Old Trafford from his loan spell at ​Sheffield United at the end of the season, but his future remains unknown.

Nathan Bishop

20-year-old Bishop is expected to be one of two transfers the Red Devils complete before Friday's transfer deadline, after it was revealed that ​a deal has been agreed for Sporting CP captain Bruno Fernandes.

The 25-year-old Portugal international is expected to complete the move either on Thursday or Friday for a fee of up to £68m.

A brief statement on the club's official website said: "Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached an agreement with Sporting Clube de Portugal for the transfer of Bruno Fernandes.

Bruno Fernandes

"The deal is subject to a medical and the agreement of personal terms. A further announcement will be made in due course."

While Bishop will be earmarked as one for the future, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping that the long-awaited Fernandes can bring some much-needed creativity to a United side that has looked toothless at times this season.

The Red Devils currently sit fifth in the Premier League and are six points off ​Chelsea who occupy the final Champions League place in fourth.


Source : 90min