Man United hold 'positive talks' over Bruno Fernandes deal
Manchester United have held positive talks over a new contract for Bruno Fernandes and they aim to reach an agreement soon.
The 31-year-old enjoyed an outstanding season at Old Trafford last time out and broke the Premier League's assist record as he helped lead his side to Champions League qualification.
He has already built up a strong relationship with Michael Carrick and remains a crucial part of his plans for the future despite growing interest from elsewhere.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Fernandes is in talks over a new contract with all parties keen to reach an agreement.
The Portugal international currently has just one year remaiing on his deal, with the option of a one-year extension, but new terms will keep him at the club for the foreseeable future.
This comes as Man United are making plans to deter interest in Fernandes, with clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia keeping a close eye on his situation.
How do Man United feel about Bruno Fernandes' future?
Brown told Football Insider on 27 July that Man United will not entertain offers for Fernandes as he remains a crucial part of Carrick's plans ahead of the upcoming season.
As a result, they are aiming to get him tied down to a new deal, with all parties now working towards the aim of him remaining at Old Trafford for the coming season.
Following Carrick's permanent appointment and their qualification for the Champions League, there is a growing feeling that Fernandes is now keen to stay at Man United.
"Bruno Fernandes is a very important part of Carrick's plans," Brown told Football Insider.
"He will return to Man United before the start of the season, and he'll continue to be a big part of those plans regardless of the interest from other clubs.
"Man United have held talks over a new contract and, from what I've heard, they've been positive and it looks like everybody is working towards the same outcome.
"They want Bruno Fernandes to stay, Bruno Fernandes is happy to stay, they're in the Champions League and they want to continue to make progress.
"Keeping him and getting him tied down to a new contract is the best outcome for that sitaution given how important he is to the team.
"He showed last season how well he can perform under Michael Carrick, they seem to have a very good relationship, so that's something they want to continune to work with.
"Plus, it gets rid of any speculation about different clubs making moves for him and takes all the noise away behind the scenes."
How does Fernandes feel about staying at Man United?
Man United's attempts to get Fernandes tied down to a new contract have come amid growing speculation about his future given the interest from elsewhere.
A number of European giants including Juventus and Bayern Munich, as well as Cristiano Ronaldo's Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr, have been keeping tabs on his situation.
However, Football Insider revealed in March that Fernandes would be happy to stay at Man United if Carrick landed the permanent job thanks to their close relationship.
The new boss got the best out of the attacking midfielder during his interim spell, and the pair remain keen to work together and to help the club progress.
The Portugal international is now believed to be happy to stay at Old Trafford, and with United not willing to let him go, they are now preparing for the new season.