Manchester City have started discussions with Sporting Lisbon over a £42m deal for Bruno Fernandes, according to a report.
Citizens boss Pep Guardiola is said to be in the market for a new central midfielder due to concerns over Ilkay Gundogan's future.
Gundogan has so far decided against signing a new deal at the Etihad Stadium, while fellow creative midfielder David Silva has been linked with a move to the Far East.
Sporting ace Fernandes has caught the eye of a number of clubs, with Manchester United also being linked in recent weeks.
The Daily Mail claims that the 24-year-old, who has contributed 22 goals and 14 assists in the Portuguese top flight and Europa League this term, could be on his way to Manchester this summer.
Man City are believed to be leading the race as they are in the process of negotiating a deal with Sporting.
Fellow Portuguese starlet Joao Felix is also rumoured to be on the English champions' radar.
Daniel Lewis
