Manchester United are leading the race to sign Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes this summer, according to reports in Portugal.

The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form for his club this season, attracting attention from clubs across Europe.

However, A Bola reports that United have held informal talks with the Lisbon outfit about a potential move, and are in pole position to land him.

The main competition is likely to come from Italy, where Fernandes played from 2012-17 for Novara, Udinese and Sampdoria before returning to his home country in 2017.

Milan are understood to be showing particular interest in the Portugal international, who has a deal until 2023 with Sporting.

Fernandes has a €100-million release clause in his contract (around £86-million) and has scored 27 goals in 45 games in all competitions this season.