Manchester United are reportedly ready to make their first official approach to Sporting Lisbon for midfielder Bruno Fernandes.

Despite frequent speculation regarding the Portugal international, there has been a lack of movement for the player during the current transfer window.

Fernandes has featured in a number of pre-season fixtures for his current club, who appear in no rush to agree to the sale of their most prized asset.

However, according to A Bola, Fernandes's agent Miguel Pinho is ready to open negotiations with Sporting at a time when United are prepared to make a formal bid.

The Premier League giants remain in the hunt for a new central midfielder, with Ander Herrera having already left for Paris Saint-Germain and Paul Pogba being linked with an exit from Old Trafford.

Sporting will allegedly look to receive in the region of £70m for Fernandes.