Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has spoken for the first time since Manchester United announced a deal was in place to sign Sporting CP's Bruno Fernandes, insisting that the Portuguese side played their part in a 'good negotiation'.
After months of speculation going as far back as last summer, it was confirmed earlier on Wednesday that a deal had finally been agreed for United to secure the long-awaited arrival of Fernandes, subject to a medical and personal terms going ahead without a hitch.
Sound 🔛 to hear from Ole on his team selection, our approach to the game and today's transfer news 🔊#MUFC #CarabaoCup pic.twitter.com/aw239kWe1r
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) January 29, 2020
With neither of those elements of the transfer expected to be an issue, Thursday is likely to be when the deal comes to fruition. It's a transfer that will cost the club an initial £46.5m, with various add-ons and bonuses potentially taking the overall fee to around £68m.
While the transfer has naturally garnered much of the headlines over recent weeks, Solskjaer's primary focus revolves around steering his side to a Carabao Cup final. The second leg of their semi-final clash with Manchester City takes place on Wednesday night, as the Red Devils look to overturn a 3-1 first leg deficit.
Speaking ahead of that clash, Solskjaer revealed he was content with the relationship the club have with Sporting, who he praised for there work in the transfer.
“We are delighted that we have agreed with Sporting. It has been a good negotiation. We know through history that these two teams, or clubs, have been good with each other," he said in his pre-match interview.
"Now we have reached an agreement. Hopefully we can get the boy’s contract over the line & the medical done. Then hopefully we can announce it."
Fernandes will become the club's first signing of this winter window, as the Solskjaer bids to reinforce his squad as they attempt to return to the Champions League next season. as well as compete in the FA Cup and Europa League. If they successfully navigate their way through a tricky Carabao Cup tie, there will be a Wembley final date to pencil in as well.
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Source : 90min