Manchester United are in pole position to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes and could complete the deal ‘within a week’ after making a superior offer to other competitors, according to reports from Portugal.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the market for midfield reinforcements following the departures of Marouane Fellaini and Ander Herrera this year.

Fernandes, who began his career in Italy, has enjoyed a sensational season with Sporting, scoring 31 goals from midfield in all competitions.

And according to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, Man United could have the deal wrapped up with Fernandes within the next week.

The month of May has come to an end and United are yet to complete any business. This is not exactly a concern but it does mean one thing: June has to be big.

Daniel James, you’d expect, will be the first signing. God knows what is happening with Matthijs de Ligt. A new full-back seems to be on the agenda.

What must not be ignored, however, is just how badly the midfield needs to be addressed. United have lost two established Premier League players in Fellaini and Herrera, further diminishing an already substandard part of the team. The club must buy smart in this area. Fernandes, who Pep Guardiola admires, is a good place to start.