REAL MADRID are reportedly readying a record swoop for Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes this summer.
Fernandes has been scouted by Carlo Ancelotti's representatives at every “virtually every single Man Utd home and away game” this season.
Madrid are expecting Fernandes to cost in the region of £90million, according to The Star.
That would be United's record sale, eclipsing the £80million that Real paid for Cristiano Ronaldo in June 2009.
Real are planning a squad overhaul at the end of the season, which includes thesigning of Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold on a free.
And Fernandes is being eyed as a top signing who could also be a potential successor to Luka Modric, 39, whose contract expires this summer.
Fernandes‘ form has been one of the few shining lights in another poor season for the Red Devils, who sit 13th in the Prem and are on course for a record low finish.
He was linked with a move away last summerafter he admitted that it was “possible”.
But the30-year-old midfielder ended up signing a new bumper £3250,000-per-year contract until 2027in August.
However, his desire to win trophies could make a move to the Bernaebu irresistible.
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Fernandes is United's top producer with 16 goals and assists this term, including eight goals in the Prem and four in the Europa League.
The club regularly turn to him to produce a moment of magic in games and he is almost always available for selection.
He recently revealed he had anoffer on the table to leave last year, but he wanted to stay because he believes the club can be successful.
Ruben Amorim will be desperate to keep him, but any approach from Madrid could create a dilemma for the cash-strapped club hierarchy.
Minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not been shy in revealing United's financial problems.
Ratcliffe sensationally claimed that United were on track to run out of money this year while defending his controversial cost-cutting.
And the club are allegedly open to listening to serious offers for every single player in the squad.
But Fernandes – who is arguably United's only successful signing since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013 – is different.
The Portugal international has scored 95 goals and provided 82 assists for the Red Devils in 227 games in all competitions since joining from Sporting Lisbon for £47million in January 2020.
He does, however, divide opinion with some pointing to his poor body language and petulant moaning.
Former United captainRoy Keaneis among those who feel Fernandes should not wear the armband.
When talking about Fernandes often being United's saviour, Keane exploded: “Save us? They're 15th in the league and he's saving them?
“Praise the lord. You have to have a starting point. I go back to it all – talent is not enough. Bruno's a talented player, but talent's not enough.”
But the passionate Irishman's co-host on Stick to Football disagreed and said: “No, no, not Bruno. United would be relegated without him.”
Keane flopped back in his chair and snarled: “You know what Wrighty? I've had enough of that rubbish man.”
But since Keane's scathing attack, Fernandes has successfully silenced his critics, while admitting it “wasn't nice too hear”.
He bagged a hat-trick in the 4-1 victory over Real Sociedadin the Europa League at the start of this month.
And followed it up with a great – but controversial- free-kick against Arsenal in the Prem a few days later.
Herecentlyspoke of his desire to overtake Andy Cole and Ole Gunnar Solskajer in the United goalscoring chartsand to reach 300 appearances for the club.
But many United fans believe he deserves more, including fighting for major trophies – to add to his one FA Cup and Carabao Cup won at Old Trafford.
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