Manchester United have reportedly identified a player they believe could replace Bruno Fernandes if he leaves Old Trafford at the end of the season. The midfielder's future at the club is uncertain after he turned down a new contract for the second time in a few months.
Talks over an extension have been ongoing, but the two parties have not reached an agreement. As things stand, the 32-year-old will be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January, allowing him to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season.
United's option and potential replacements
United retain the option to trigger an automatic one-year extension of his current deal, which would give them a chance to secure a transfer fee. Club chiefs have already started looking at potential replacements, with Como forward Nico Paz said to be among those under consideration.
According to The Sun, the 22-year-old is being monitored by the Red Devils ahead of a potential move next summer. Paz joined the Italian side from Real Madrid two years ago and has made an impressive start to the campaign, with six goals and eight assists in only 14 games.
Real Madrid buy-back clause complication
He scored a brace against United in the Champions League last month, though it is claimed they were already tracking him before that encounter. However, the situation is complicated by the fact Real Madrid have a £67million buy-back clause, which could prove to be a bargain at the end of the season.
Paz is believed to have rejected a return to the Spanish capital last summer, when they could have bought him back for just £7.5m. It remains to be seen if United will pursue a move for the young playmaker at the end of the season, with their stance likely to depend on whether Fernandes is still at the club.
Fernandes' contract situation
Incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino will need to decide whether he wants to keep Fernandes around or sanction a sale at the end of the season, assuming his automatic one-year extension is triggered. Fernandes was the subject of major interest from Saudi club Al-Hilal in the summer of 2025, but nothing materialised and he ended up staying at United.
He had a release clause worth around £54.2m, which was only open to foreign clubs earlier this summer. That clause has since expired.
