Saudi club plotting to sign Man United star Bruno Fernandes before their transfer deadline
Saudi Pro League sides are continuing to monitor Bruno Fernandes' availability in case his situation at Man United changes, sources have told Football Insider.
Fernandes has started this season in fine form with three goals and an assist in his first three Premier League games.
The Portuguese playmaker has retained his status as United's most important player, but uncertainty looms over his future at the club.
He entered the final year of his contract in June, and talks over a new long-term deal are yet to progress.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, clubs in Saudi Arabia remain keen on prising him away from Old Trafford as they work on striking at the right moment to make an approach.
Their transfer window does not formally close until mid-October, meaning some clubs may be planning an imminent offer for his services.
Bruno Fernandes to the Saudi Pro League remains possible amid contract uncertainty
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that United are set to trigger the one-year extension in Fernandes' contract to protect his value.
He is happy at the club and keen to extend terms, so it is on the Red Devils to offer him fresh terms that he is willing to sign in the coming months.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "United will be more than happy to sit down and discuss fresh terms with Fernandes, give him improved terms as well and extend his contract further, just to end any sort of ongoing speculation that he could be lured away from Old Trafford.
"There have been links with the Saudi Pro League which could arise again, there was even talk of Galatasaray trying to sign him in this summer transfer window as well, but look, Fernandes is happy at Manchester United.
Man United decided against Lewis Hall signing for this reason
United's well-documented search for a new left-back across the summer window ultimately proved fruitless.
Hall was their first choice for most of the window, but Newcastle stood firm against him leaving as United cooled their interest late on.
Sources have told Football Insider that the Red Devils did not want to sign Hall late in the window due to the friction it could have caused within the club.
Michael Carrick did not want to have a selection dilemma on his hands, as he rates Luke Shaw highly and did not want to leave him out more often than not.