The “fantastic” midfielder has made an important decision regarding a potential move to Manchester United in the January transfer window.
Manchester United need a long-term replacement for Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has remained a talismanic figure for the Red Devils, captaining them impressively and developing alongside his younger team-mates into a more experienced head.
However, the Portuguese is currently 31 years old and given his durability and lack of injury problems, he should still be able to play for many years, but United need to make sure they have a plan in place to eventually find a successor.
Bruno has less than two years left on his current contract with the Red Devils, and Fabrizio Romano has provided an update on the possibility of a release clause.
“Manchester United do not want to comment, but other sources confirm that there is a release clause. It is not the reported amount, but that is yet to be confirmed. Nothing has been decided regarding next summer. He is completely focused on Manchester United.”
Manchester United target makes big-money transfer call
According to mirrorBorussia Dortmund midfielder Jobe Bellingham has decided against joining Manchester United in January, saying he is “not interested” in a loan move to Old Trafford for the time being.
The English player only joined the Bundesliga side in the summer for a fee of £27m, but has struggled to find playing time, with the possibility of a move looming in the process.
Bellingham is the type of player United think could one day replace Bruno, albeit in a slightly more disciplined midfield role, with the 20-year-old set to follow in the footsteps of his older brother Jude and head to Dortmund in the summer.
He starred for Sunderland last season, playing a key role in securing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, and has been compared to Frank Lampard by former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel, as well as being loved by his team-mates.
“Listen, Jobe is a great player. I’m one of his biggest fans, even more than his father. Don’t say that to him. I think Jobe is a great player,” Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien said last season.
“He’s a great addition. He comes in at halftime and gives his perspective. That’s how much he’s improved in the game. Even if he’s not playing, he comes in at halftime. We want his perspective on the game because he’s the leader of the team.”
United shouldn’t think this is the end of the story as Bellingham is still very young and if he manages to get back on track and fulfill his potential over the next few years, he brings the box-to-box quality of Bruno and should be seen as a great midfield option.