Manchester United have reportedly given permission for one of their players to hold discussions with Saudi Pro League clubs.
With the Red Devils having assembled their desired team behind the scenes, a plan is now underway to put together a squad capable of challenging for at least a top-four place in the Premier League table.
If reports are to be believed, Bayern Munich defender Matthijs de Ligt could soon be reuniting with Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford after their previous time together at Ajax.
Fellow Dutchman Joshua Zirkzee may follow his compatriot to the Theatre of Dreams in due course as United attempt to find competition for Rasmus Hojlund.
There will also be outgoings, however, with Casemiro among the big-earners who have been heavily linked with a lucrative switch to the Middle East.
Whether that materialises remains to be seen, yet it appears that one of United's prized assets may also join a Saudi Pro League club before the end of the summer transfer window.
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Fernandes given permission to speak about transfer
According to TEAMtalk, United will no longer stand in the way of Bruno Fernandes should he decide that a move to that league is his preference.
At the back end of 2023-24, the Portugal international addressed speculation regarding his future, declaring he was happy with life at United yet wanted the club's ambitions to align with his own.
Despite United officials having the opportunity to achieve that goal, they have seemingly relented to what is said to have been persistent interest in Fernandes.
Although the 29-year-old is said to have two options on the table, the report claims that Fernandes would be in favour of joining Al-Nassr over Al-Ittihad.
Another meeting is now due to take place between the relevant parties now that Portugal have been eliminated from Euro 2024, losing on penalties to France in their quarter-final on Friday night.
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Lucrative contract being prepared for Fernandes
As expected, it is added that a contract which United would not be able to match is being prepared by the Public Investment Fund, who own both of the clubs in question.
PIF will allegedly attempt to agree a deal with Fernandes before making United an offer. There is no suggestion as to what United will demand, but the playmaker still has two years on his contract, plus the Premier League giants possess the option to extend it by a further 12 months.
Fernandes - the United captain - has contributed 79 goals and 66 assists from his 233 appearances in all competitions since arriving at the club in January 2020.
Darren Plant
