Man Utd target Fernandes could leave, says Sporting boss Keizer

Manchester United-linked Bruno Fernandes could leave Sporting CP during the current transfer window, says coach Marcel Keizer.

Rumours of the Portuguese playmaker moving to Old Trafford have been mounting over the past few weeks as the Red Devils attempt to rebuild under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The 24-year-old, who scored the opening goal in Wednesday's 2-2 friendly draw against Liverpool, is highly-valued by Keizer, but the Dutch tactician confessed there is no certainty he will remain at Sporting.

"Bruno is a good player, an important player," Keizer said.

"Everyone would like that he stays but we do not know what the future will bring so we have to wait."

Sporting president Frederico Varandas has stated Fernandes would only be sold for a figure above the €62 million (£56m/$70m) quoted in various reports.

When asked specifically about the links to Manchester United, Keizer said there was plenty of interest in the Portugal international and that there is no guarantee he will stay with the Lions. 

"I am just the coach. You ask the wrong guy. We know he plays very well and clubs like him and we have to see what happens," he added. 

"This is the job for the coach. You realise some players can go. Every player can go. Wait and see."

Fernandes showed his ability to impact matches in the opening stages against Liverpool, with his fourth-minute long-range shot finding the back of the net as he forced an error from Reds goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

He also grabbed an assist for Sporting's second goal through Wendel on 53 minutes, springing the offside trap and beating Trent Alexander-Arnold, before squaring the ball to his Brazilian team-mate to finish.

It's easy to see why there's interest in Fernandes but the player himself says the final decision on a transfer will be up to Sporting - despite admitting he wants to play in England one day.

"I don't care about the transfer market. I've talked about this a lot, I don't need to talk anymore. I already said I would like to play in England," Fernandes said prior to facing Liverpool.

"When the club decides [is when it will happen]. I'm not in charge."