Sporting Lisbon president Frederico Varandas has claimed that only Tottenham Hotspur made 'a serious bid' for Bruno Fernandes.

Despite the likes of Spurs, Manchester United and Real Madrid being heavily linked with the 24-year-old, the Portugal international has remained in his homeland.

However, while it was suggested that interest in the playmaker was strong, Varandas has indicated that only Spurs were prepared to lodge what they felt was a realistic offer.

Varandas told the club's official website: "It was 'impossible' to retain Bruno Fernandes, but we did it.

"We prepared for his sale by putting a fair price on his worth, and we had bids, but only a serious offer from Tottenham, that was €45m (£40.32m) plus 20m (£17.92m) in add-ons; winning the Premier League and the Champions League. Finding these add-ons difficult, I decided not to accept."

Fernandes is said to be close to penning a new contract with Sporting.