Agent Jorge Mendes has suggested that Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes may not move clubs until the summer.

Manchester United are locked in talks to sign the 25-year-old this month but when asked about progress in negotiations, Mendes replied:

“I don’t know. If he doesn’t leave now, he will leave for sure in the summer because Sporting have already spoken with other clubs. Something will happen but I am not sure if now or at the end of the season.”

Mendes doesn’t officially represent Fernandes but he is acting as an intermediary between Sporting and United, and his comments indicate no deal between the two clubs is close.

There had been reports in Portugal that there had been a breakthrough in discussions but it seems the impasse between the two clubs over the transfer fee remains.

It is believed that United are prepared to pay £60m but a large portion of the fee is said to be made up of add-ons, which Sporting don’t believe are realistic. The Portuguese side are said to be looking for a deal worth £68m, with more of the fee being paid up front.