Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is prepared to commit his future to the club, but only if Frenchman does the same.
Fernandes still has four years remaining on his current deal, with the option of a fifth there too, but United are already keen to tie him down to a new contract which would reflect his emergence as one of the Premier League’s elite with a pay rise towards the £200,000-a-week mark.
Despite United’s determination, talks have been delayed until the end of the season as Fernandes wants to get a better idea of the big picture. It’s not that he is unhappy at Old Trafford, but he wants to win trophies and wants to make sure United is the right place for him to do that.
According to The Sun, one of the things he wants to see is a new contract for midfield partner Pogba, whose deal will enter its final 12 months this summer.
The playmaker has already spoken fondly of his relationship with United’s record signing, a player he believes has made him better.
“I think, on the pitch, there is still to come the best for both of us. We can do much better together,” he told the club’s website.
“I think we are doing better now because people and players are concerned about who they might mark – we have Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes in the same places, the same pockets.
“Sometimes it is difficult for players to find who to mark and who to give freedom and so it’s good for the team. That is the best for us because we know we can help the team playing together.
“I think when you play with the best, your best comes out also.”
The 26-year-old is also keen to see how United act in the summer transfer market amid links with the likes of Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
Fernandes wants to see the club prove their ambition having made forward strides in the league this season.
The Portuguese star is yet to win any silverware at Old Trafford but the Red Devils are gearing up for a Europa League semi-final against Roma next week.