Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is not for sale at any price despite interest from Galatasaray.
Reports have claimed the Turkish side are ready to bid for the 31-year-old, who has entered the final year of his contract, but United also have an option to extend by a further year.
However, United will not entertain any offers for their talisman, who was named Premier League Player of the Year last season after breaking the competition’s assist record.
The £57m release clause for foreign clubs in his contract has now expired.
In December, Fernandes revealed he had been “hurt” when United told him last summer he was free to accept a big-money offer to join Saudi Arabian club Al Hilal, who were ready to pay £100m as a transfer fee.
Despite Fernandes feeling as though the club were open to selling him last summer, the message from the hierarchy since has been clear: he is not for sale.
The ambiguity of last summer has been put to bed with United viewing Fernandes as crucial to the future of their project.
Could Man Utd really sell Fernandes?
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Watch footage of Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes returning to training ahead of a new Premier League season! X credit: @ManUtd.
Sky Sports’ James Savundra on The Transfer Show:
“It doesn’t seem likely in this window but go back 12 months, it felt 50:50. It felt like Manchester United would be willing to sell him if they could recoup £100m to spend on other areas.
“He spoke quite openly about the fact he spoke to the Saudi Pro League and the projects there – before deciding he wanted to commit his future to Manchester United.
“You would think the club would be working on a contract extension because he has one year left – plus that option to extend by a further year, which you’d expect them to do so, otherwise he’d be in a position in January where he could speak to foreign clubs over a free transfer.
“Last season he was just incredible with the assist record – he was the best player in the Premier League last season. He’s a massive part of Michael Carrick’s plans this season.
“There will come a time when Manchester United think about life after Bruno Fernandes but that won’t be this summer. He’s so important to their plans in Europe and the Premier League.”
Could Zirkzee act as Fernandes cover this season?
Joshua Zirkzee has impressed for Manchester United in pre-season
Sky Sports’ News’ Danyal Khan:
“The good news for Michael Carrick and United is that two players, in particular, have stood out in pre-season.
“Having perhaps looked a bit tired towards the end of last season, Carrick will be purring to see Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo back to their electric selves in pre-season.
“Mbeumo has looked sharp in front of goal with Amad also appearing full of confidence after an impressive World Cup with Cote d’Ivoire in the summer.
“One player who may have a new chapter at the club is Joshua Zirkzee. Although there is still a possibility his future could be away from Old Trafford, he’s looked like a different Zirkzee to the one we’ve seen in previous seasons.
“Albeit it is pre-season, could Zirkzee provide cover for Fernandes in the No 10 position?
“He was particularly impressive in Dublin against Leeds at a sold-out Croke Park, and in his third season at the club it will be intriguing to see how Carrick uses the Dutchman – if his future is at United.”
