Manchester United's deal for Bruno Fernandes has collapsed

Bruno Fernandes will not join Manchester United this month as talks with Sporting have collapsed, claims The Sun.

United have been locked in discussions to sign the Portugal international since the start of the month but cannot agree a fee with Sporting.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who personally scouted Fernandes earlier this month, had earmarked Fernandes as the ideal midfield addition this month.

United were reportedly willing to offer £42.5m up front with an additional £8.5m in performance related add-ons but it has fallen short of Sporting's valuation.

Despite offering Fernandes to Tottenham for less month in the summer, Sporting have told United they will only accept a bid worth up to £68m for their star man.

The Liga NOS giants are desperate for money but are unwilling to lower their demands, meaning Fernandes will now stay at the club for the rest of the campaign.

Fernandes' agent, Jorge Mendes, insists his client will leave Sporting by the start of next season but warned United they will miss out on the 25-year-old if they don't make their move this month.

The news heaps further misery on Solskjaer following United's embarassing 2-0 defeat at home to Burnley on Wednesday night.

United identified Fernandes as a quality addition this month but are not prepared to pay over the odds and compromise on their long-term summer targets.

The Red Devils believe bowing down to inflated prices will only shoot them in the foot when they pursue Jadon Sancho and James Maddison at the end of the season.

Fernandes is the highest WhoScored rated player in Liga Nos this season (7.83) with eight goals and seven assists in 16 league appearances.

Furthermore, only Pizzi (51) has played a direct hand in more goals than Fernandes (49) in Liga NOS since the beginning of last season.