Manchester United have made their position on Bruno Fernandes clear as Galatasaray consider testing Old Trafford with a €50million offer for the club captain.
Fernandes has attracted interest from Galatasaray, AC Milan and Juventus during the final weeks of the transfer window, but United have now decided they will reject any approach for the 31-year-old.
The Times reports that Fernandes is not for sale at any price, even if one of his European suitors makes a formal move before the deadline.
Man Utd shut door on Bruno Fernandes transfer
The stance represents an important development after weeks of uncertainty surrounding Fernandes.
Galatasaray are reportedly considering an offer worth around €50m, while Milan and Juventus have also been monitoring his situation.
No formal bid has yet arrived.
United, however, have no intention of negotiating if that changes.
Fernandes previously had a £57m release clause available to overseas clubs, but The Times says that clause expired last month.
That leaves United in complete control of the situation.
ReadManUtd previously reported that contract discussions with Fernandes had been paused despite the midfielder wanting to remain at Old Trafford.
His current deal has entered its final year, although United retain an option to extend it for another season.
Michael Carrick cannot afford late Bruno exit
The timing explains why United’s latest position is so firm.
Michael Carrick is already asking the club to add another central midfielder and left-back before the transfer window closes.
Selling Fernandes with only two weeks remaining would suddenly create another huge recruitment problem.
The Portugal international registered a Premier League-record 21 assists last season and remains Carrick’s captain, chief creator and one of the first names on the teamsheet.
Replacing that output at short notice would almost certainly cost considerably more than the €50m Galatasaray are reportedly considering.
United also return to Champions League football this season, increasing the importance of retaining proven players while Carrick attempts to strengthen the depth around them.
Fernandes himself has given United no indication that he wants to leave.
The situation could still generate plenty of transfer noise before the window shuts, particularly if Galatasaray formalise their interest.
United’s response, though, now appears non-negotiable.
Any €50m approach will be rejected.
