Bruno Fernandes dines with ‘Al-Hilal’s secret agent’ during Man Utd transfer exit talks

Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes is the subject of huge interest from Al-Hilal and has been out dining with one of their current stars, Joao Cancelo, as he weighs up an offer

Bruno Fernandes continues to be linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia with Al-Hilal and has been spotted dining with Portugal pal Joao Cancelo – who has been dubbed a “secret agent” by fans as he looks to convince the Manchester United star to join him in the Middle East.

Al Hilal are willing to make Fernandes one of the best-paid players in the world and will fork out £100m to sign the playmaker. Fernandes’ agent Miguel Pinho has been in Riyadh for talks with senior Al Hilal individuals and those in Saudi see it as a positive sign that discussions have been held.

United want to retain Fernandes, but Al Hilal believe every player has a price. The Portuguese star will turn 31 in September, but does have a contract until 2027.

It has been reported that the Saudi offer will only last for so long and Al-Hilal want an answer within days. Their lucrative bid will be rescinded if they do not hear back soon, putting Fernandes and United on a timer.

The United skipper has met with Al-Hilal’s full-back Cancelo, formerly of Manchester City, and national team-mate with Fernandes. A snap of them at a group meal in a restaurant has seen speculation soar that a deal could be sorted within days with Cancelo playing his part.

READ MORE: Bruno Fernandes’ team-mate tells him to make Saudi transfer as Man Utd star considers moveREAD MORE: Bruno Fernandes sends five-word message to PSG stars amid Man Utd transfer exit talks

The ex-City man was 31 last Tuesday and a birthday cake with candles was presented to him at the restaurant as he celebrated at the weekend. Fernandes was by his side having made the trip back from United’s post-season tour of Asia.

It would be a huge loss for Ruben Amorim, who has seen his side saved by Fernandes on numerous occasions. But he believes the ex-Sporting Lisbon man wants to remain in England. He said: “Of course I am the manager, the coach, but sometimes it is the decision of the player, but of course I talk with him, I explain things and I just have that feeling. When you talk to someone, you have that feeling if he wants to stay.

“Of course in a lot of games this season he was so frustrated, but he knows what we are doing. The feeling that I have every time I speak to him is he wants to continue for sure at Man Utd. But you never know.”

Al Hilal have also held talks about signing Cristiano Ronaldo, who will become a free agent next month if he doesn’t sign a new contract at Al Nassr. He recently claimed his “chapter was over” on social media.

The Saudi club expect to have at least one big-name signing and a new head coach – possibly Inter Milan’s Simone Inzaghi – when they play in the Club World Cup this month.

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