Man United Sources Tell Me... - Insider shares Bruno Fernandes extension update

Manchester United are prepared to do everything in their power to agree a contract extension for Bruno Fernandes in the near future.

The 31-year-old was linked with moves away from Old Trafford during the summer transfer window, but once again, the club moved to block any suggestions of a sale.

Michael Carrick still views the attacking midfielder as a crucial part of his plans for the future, especially with United set to make their return to Champions League football.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that work is ongoing behind the scenes to reach an agreement with Fernandes before too long.

Talks have taken place over the last 12 months about the Portugal international's future, and following the end of the transfer window, those talks are set to ramp up.

Fernandes' current contract at Old Trafford is set to expire next summer, and although the club have the option to extend by a year, they hope to tie him down long-term.

Could Bruno Fernandes sign a new Man United contract?

Brown told Football Insider in July that Man United have held positive talks with Fernandes over a contract extension and are hopeful of reaching an agreement soon.

The Portugal international proved his worth in Carrick's side once again after picking up a hattrick and an assist during the 5-2 win against Ipswich last weekend.

That performance has reaffirmed the club's desire to tie him down to a new contract, with the focus currently on reaching an agreement after the transfer window.

"There was no way Bruno Fernandes was going to be allowed to leave Man United," Brown told Football Insider.

"It's frustrating that nobody came out to completely squash the rumours, they left it open to speculation, which ultimately doesn't help because there has been interest.

"When things are left open to speculation, the vultures circle, and then it becomes increasingly difficult to keep hold of him.

"But Man United do not want to let him go any time soon, he's a crucial part of everything Michael Carrick is trying to do, and will be integral to any success they have.

"So now, they have to be doing everything in their power to get him tied down to a new contract and ensure he stays at Old Trafford.

"It would dismiss all of the speculation about his future, and ensure he keeps playing a crucial role as a Man United player long-term, not just in the immediate future.

"Man United sources tell me, it is something the club want to do and something they have been working on, and now that the transfer window is closed, they have to put all of their focus into reaching an agreement."

Which clubs are keeping tabs on Fernandes' situation?

Man United have been clear with their plans to keep hold of Fernandes, and would not entertain any discussions about his future in the summer transfer window.

However, a number of clubs across Europe and Saudi Arabia continue to be linked with the attacking midfielder, with interest in his situation still extremely high.

Brown told Football Insider that even a "huge" bid for Fernandes would have been rejected, but the ongoing interest from Saudi Arabia is likely to be a concern.

Multiple clubs in the Middle East, including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al Nassr, have made approaches to the Man United talisman over the last couple of years.

The money on offer in the Saudi Pro League could prove tempting, but Man United are now working hard to dismiss any speculation by committing him to a new deal.