Manchester United captain, Bruno Fernandes, has rejected a second contract offer from the club as negotiations over his future at Old Trafford continue, according to The Athletic.
The Portugal international’s current deal expires in June 2027, although United have an option to extend it by another 12 months.
Without the extension, the 32-year-old could begin negotiations with foreign clubs over a potential free transfer from January.
The Red Devils have been attempting to secure Fernandes’ future since the summer, when their initial proposal was turned down.
The club subsequently presented an improved offer, but the midfielder remains dissatisfied with the terms.
“Talks over a new deal for Fernandes, United’s club captain, have been ongoing since the summer, when the first proposal was made and rejected by the Portuguese,” writes The Athletic.
“United have more recently followed up with improved terms, but Fernandes is not yet satisfied, so further negotiations are anticipated.
“Salary and length of contract are aspects being discussed for the 32-year-old, whose current deal expires in June 2027. As things stand, he can talk to foreign clubs about a potential free transfer from January.
“But United have the option of a further 12 months, which would overrule that freedom if triggered, and in any case the club want Fernandes to stay.”
Fernandes’ latest contract development comes amid a difficult campaign for the midfielder, who has struggled to replicate his performances from last season, when he won the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award and the Professional Footballers’ Association Player of the Year award.
The midfielder was also recently dropped for United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth following his apparent criticism of former manager Michael Carrick’s tactics.
Meanwhile, United are reportedly preparing to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as Carrick’s successor after the Argentine concludes his commitments with the United States men’s national team.
The former Tottenham Hotspur manager is expected to take charge of the Manchester side next week, with the club scheduled to face Liverpool at Anfield on November 22.
