As Rafael Leao’s transfer fee was informed by Manchester United, Bruno Fernandes “rejects” Neymar’s opportunity.

According to sources, Bruno Fernandes turned down a hefty offer from Al-Hilal, a Saudi Arabian team, during the January transfer window. The captain of Manchester United reportedly vowed to stay with the squad and turned down the opportunity to play with Brazil’s superstar, Neymar, in the Gulf state.

Regarded as one of the top players in Europe, Fernandes, 29, joined United in January 2020. Even though the playmaker’s Old Trafford career has been devoid of trophies, he has chosen to remain and lead their effort to reclaim past glory.

Reports from Portuguese publication Record flag up interest from Al-Hilal and indicate the Saudi Pro League club made every attempt to sign him last month. Al-Hilal are managed by Jorge Jesus – who worked with Fernandes at Sporting Lisbon before his switch to United.

Despite a heavy-handed attempt to bring Fernandes to the Gulf state, though, the 63-cap international is thought to have turned down that ‘pharaonic proposal’ to stay. The ex-Sampdoria playmaker is said to be keen on doing his utmost to ensure he wins further silverware at United after lifting the Carabao Cup last season.

Fernandes is understood to have turned down numbers that might have been ‘irrefutable’ to most. He would have also had the opportunity to play alongside Neymar in his twilight years.

Elsewhere, reports from Caught Offside suggest United are braced for competition from PSG and Manchester City in their mooted pursuit to snap up Raphael Leao next summer. The highly-rated AC Milan forward is claimed to have a release clause worth a staggering €175million, though any move would surely depend on whether a lower fee could be negotiated.

Leao, 24, has only scored six goals in 26 outings this season. However, his overall record for the Italian giants reads 49 goals and 42 assists from 189 matches.

He has been earmarked as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe on the proviso that the Frenchman signs for Real Madrid. Leao remains under contract at the San Siro until 2028.

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