Manchester United have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Sporting Lisbon star Bruno Fernandes.

The Red Devils are confident of completing a £71m deal to sign the 24-year-old midfielder, according to Portuguese media outlet A Bola, as quoted by The Sun.

United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has identified the Portugal international as a potential summer signing.

The highly-rated midfielder has contributed 32 goals and 18 assists in 53 games in all competitions for the Portuguese giants in the 2018-19 season.

Fernandes would certainly add more depth to a United midfield that looked weak at times last term.

United finished in sixth place in the Premier League to miss out on a Champions League spot.