Sporting Lisbon coach says Bruno Fernandes future is 'still unclear' amid Man United links

Sporting's Bruno Fernandes is expected to complete a move to Manchester United (Image: REUTERS)

Sporting Lisbon boss Silas has admitted that he does not know if Bruno Fernandes has played his last game for the club amid reports he is closing in on a move to Manchester United .

Fernandes was on the losing side in what could be his farewell appearance for the Portuguese giants on Friday as they were beaten 2-0 by local rivals Benfica, with Rafa finding the net twice late on.

The Red Devils are currently in negotiations with Sporting over a move for the 25-year-old and, although the two sides are yet to agree on a fee, a deal is believed to be close.

And Silas admitted that the Portugal international's future remains unclear, despite his desire to keep him for more matches.

When asked if Fernandes had played his last game for the club, the Sporting boss was quoted by Record as saying: "I hope not. So far we don't know, nor does Bruno know.

"We will try to keep him for more games, but it's not up to us. The only wish I have is the best for him."

Fernandes is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford this month, with some reports suggesting that he has already agreed personal terms with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side.

And Silas believes that the Portugal international deserves to be playing in the top leagues in Europe.

"I would prefer that he not leave," Silas added. "We have to understand the ambition of the player, who prefers to play in a league superior to ours.

"There has been talk of the Premier League, but who wouldn’t like to play there?

"Bruno deserves everything and to try a league like this, if he’s one of the best, he deserves to be there."

Fernandes is understood to have been offered a five-year deal by United, with the option for an extra year, worth around £150,000-a-week.

There have even been suggestions that he is due to travel to the UK over the weekend to finalise the move and could be in the stands to watch United's Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.

However, the clubs are still believed to be negotiating a fee for the 25-year-old, with Sporting holding out for £55m up front.