Report: United close to signing Fernandes for €55M plus €25M in add-ons

Manchester United's hopes of signing Bruno Fernandes from Sporting CP received a massive boost Tuesday.

Hours after reports linked Fernandes with a potential move to Barcelona, United submitted a new bid worth €55 million plus €25 million in add-ons, according to The Guardian's Fabrizio Romano, who added that agents are confident a deal will get done.

Before Tuesday's offer, negotiations were at an impasse. On Jan. 18, the deal was reported to be on the brink of collapse due to Sporting's high demands. The Portuguese side was looking to sell Fernandes for €80 million, but United was standing firm at €60 million.

As United and Sporting haggled over a fee, Barcelona appeared to make an approach for the 25-year-old. The Blaugrana believed they could sign Fernandes and flip him for Valencia striker Rodrigo Moreno, according to ESPN's Moises Llorens and Sam Marsden.

But United's persistence may have paid off. Although the initial €55-million fee is well below Sporting's asking price, the additional €25 million could bring the total up to the €80-million mark.

The first €15 million in add-ons are tied to United's performance in the Premier League and Champions League, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson. United would reportedly fork over the remaining €10 million if Fernandes achieves specific personal objectives.