Manchester United are hoping club captain Bruno Fernandes will stay for at least another year, sources have told The Pitch Prospect.
Fernandes threw his future into question when he claimed the United board wanted to leave him when he was close to moving to Saudi Arabia last summer.
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The talented Portugal international has a release clause worth around £57m which can be activated by European clubs at the end of the season.
However, with United in the race for Champions League qualification under Michael Carrick, Old Trafford insiders believe the 31-year-old is more inclined to stay at the club.
Fernandes is seen as a key player by United, who are planning another serious assault on the transfer market in the close season, with stars such as Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson, Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali in their sights.
Following the success of signing Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha last summer, United are once again turning their attention to proven Premier League players.
Fernandes scored one goal and the other in the win over Crystal Palace on Sunday and has seven goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season.
Wilson is a wanted man
Aston Villa are considered the main contenders to pick up the coveted Harry Wilson on a free transfer.
Wilson’s contract with Fulham expires at the end of the season and The Pitch Prospect understands he will almost certainly leave Craven Cottage.
Leeds United tried to sign the Wales international last summer, while Everton manager David Moyes is also a big admirer and his hometown club Wrexham will join in if he wins promotion.
But Wilson, who turns 29 later this month, is apparently open to a move to Villa Park, particularly if Villa can offer Champions League football.
The former Liverpool youth player has scored ten goals and assisted a further seven in 31 games this season.
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Another departure from Forest?
Edu must fight to save his job at Nottingham Forest.
The Brazilian’s appointment as head of global football by Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis last summer was seen as a coup after his work alongside Mikel Arteta at Arsenal.
However, with Forest in charge for the fourth time this season and many of Edu’s signings having failed to work out, this notebook is told that Marinakis has clearly underwhelmed.
A decision on Edu’s long-term future is expected to be made at the end of the season but it seems unlikely he will survive if Forest, two points above the bottom three, are relegated to the Championship.
main mane
Rob Edwards has made it abundantly clear to the Wolves hierarchy that they must not capitalize on teenage talent Mateus Mane.
Mane is catching the attention of teams like United, Arsenal and Newcastle United after bursting onto the scene under Edwards.
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But the Wolves boss wants to back the 18-year-old attacking midfielder as they seek promotion to the Championship next season.
Mane is contracted until the summer of 2029, but sources have suggested to The Pitch Prospect that he is likely to be offered better terms if his good form continues.