Pompey aim to tie up Fernandes
Portsmouth are ready to fend off any rival interest in Manuel Fernandes.
Portsmouth are ready to fend off any rival Premiership interest in Portuguese international Manuel Fernandes by exercising their option on the Benfica man.The midfielder finally moved on loan to Fratton Park at the end of August after a summer-long chase which was hampered by injury concerns over the 20-year-old.
Fernandes has so far managed just one Premiership appearance, but Pompey boss Harry Redknapp is desperate to tie up a permanent deal - after reports suggested Manchester United were ready to hijack the deal.
As part of the initial move Portsmouth secured first option on Fernandes, which they were ready to look at in either January or at the end of the season.
However, United's interest now looks set to spark Portsmouth into firm action and they could tie up Fernandes's future within weeks - according to Portuguese sources.
Pompey chief executive Peter Storrie has confirmed that they could very well look at sealing a deal this month.
"We are waiting but the player is already adapted to playing in the Premier League," Storrie told Ojogo.
"We will wait to see him play in one or another game in the league.
"Perhaps after this happens, inside one or two weeks, we will place a contract on the table."
