Manchester United are now the frontrunners in the race for a "silky" Premier League star, who Bruno Fernandes has told INEOS to sign, and fresh checks have recently been conducted.

Bruno instructs INEOS to sign "silky" star after stellar campaign

Fernandes recently scooped up the Footballer of the Year prize at the Football Writers' Association awards, having enjoyed a fantastic campaign, levelling the Premier League assist record by setting up Bryan Mbeumo's winning goal in the 3-2 victory against Nottingham Forest.

The Portugal international has just over one year remaining on his contract, and he is dreaming big ahead of what could be his final season at Old Trafford.

"Obviously going into next season, we all know that the aim of this club always has to be winning," Fernandes said. "I think in the first place when a player chooses to come to Man United it's not because you just want to wear the shirt.

"That's a big feeling and it's a big thing to walk out at Old Trafford and that was the dream I had but I had that dream because I knew the club could win things and be close to winning the Premier League and Champions League. That's why I came to this club."

"I speak out whenever I want on what I want to achieve and what I want to achieve is winning the league and winning the Champions League."

With United poised to return to the Champions League next season, they may need a deeper squad, and the 31-year-old has already instructed INEOS to sign Mateus Fernandes, who could cost £80m if West Ham United manage to avoid the drop.

Man Utd now in pole position to sign Fernandes

There has now been a new update on Man United's pursuit of Fernandes, with a report from TEAMtalk stating they are leading the race for his signature, having recently conducted fresh checks regarding a summer deal.

The 21-year-old is very keen on a move to Old Trafford, despite rival interest from the likes of Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Chelsea.

The West Ham star also has a strong relationship with Bruno, and he is said to idolise the United captain.

Scout Ben Mattinson is a strong admirer of the former Sporting CP man, describing him as "silky", and he has missed just two Premier League matches all season for West Ham, chipping in with three goals and three assists.

Fernandes is also strong at winning back possession, averaging 3.0 tackles per 90 in the Premier League, which is just shy of Casemiro's average of 3.1, suggesting the Portuguese maestro could be a solid replacement for the 34-year-old.

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