Manchester United have reportedly begun talks over a £50m move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Fernandes's form this season has seen him linked with a number of Europe's biggest clubs, including United's Premier League rivals Liverpool and Chelsea.

However, Portuguese outlet A Bola claims that United have made the first move in an attempt to beat the competition to his signature by opening negotiations with Sporting.

Fernandes has a release clause of €100m (£85.9m) in his contract at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, but Sporting are understood to be willing to let him leave for closer to £50m.

United have been tracking the 24-year-old Portugal international all season, and the glowing scout reports they have received back have convinced them to make a move.

Fernandes has scored 18 goals in 36 appearances across all competitions this term.