That is according to Italian journalist Pietro Balzano Prota, who has been covering the transfer saga.
Fernandes scored 31 goals from midfield for Sporting Lisbon last season – a European record eclipsing Frank Lampard’s tally of 27 in 2009-10.
The Portuguese playmaker has four years left on his deal and is valued at £62.2million (€70m) by Sporting.
Manchester United have been described as ‘frontrunners’ for the 24-year-old but have faced stiff competition from Tottenham and Atletico Madrid.
Liverpool were understood to have retracted their interest but fresh reports claim Anfield chiefs are eyeing up Fernandes once more.