Manchester United are close to tying down talisman Bruno Fernandes to a new contract, according to reports in Portugal, with the playmaker set for a pay rise.

Fernandes quickly became one of the club’s most important players after arriving from Sporting Lisbon in 2020, and he has scored 49 goals in 117 appearances.

As a result, the Red Devils have moved to tie down the attacking midfielder to fresh terms, with the new deal set to see his wages increased to match his crucial status.

Surprisingly, Fernandes was not one of United’s highest earners after his £68million transfer was agreed, with his contract said to be worth around £100,000-a-week.

But, as claimed by O Jojo, he is close to putting pen to paper on a five-year extension that will run until 2027 and see him earn a similar amount to Paul Pogba.

If the report proves to be correct, Fernandes would therefore bank just over £12million-a-year, a hefty increase from his starting salary at Old Trafford.

Currently, his deal is set to run down in 2015, although he is widely expected to stay.

The same outlet has added that Miguel Pinho, Fernandes’ agent, has been in regular contact with United over the contract, with talks ‘intensifying’ in recent weeks.

It is also believed that the club are keen to make the 27-year-old a ‘reference’ ahead of next season, as they get set to try and challenge for the biggest trophies again.

Fernandes is yet to taste glory in England, with United having fallen short in the Europa League final and several semi-finals in other competitions since his arrival.

Despite this, though, he is understood to remain fully committed to the project.

This season has been testing for one of United’s main men, and Fernandes’ below-par performances have even led Ralf Rangnick to bench him on occasion.

In his 37 appearances so far, he has scored nine goals and recorded 14 assists.