Talks over a new and improved contract for Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United are reportedly on hold, although they are expected to resume in the summer.
Fernandes has been tipped to receive a new deal at Old Trafford for the best part of a year, but the Portuguese has remained focus on helping United improve their on-field fortunes instead of concerning himself about a possible pay rise.
Now, in an update on where things currently stand, The Athletic state that talks have temporarily been put to one side and there will likely be no further developments between now and the end of the season.
It's thought both Fernandes and United want to have a better idea of the team's standing and what their future ambitions may look like – with the club's desire to compete for major silverware no closer to coming to fruition after a difficult first half of 2021/22.
Fernandes currently earns a comparatively modest £100,000-per-week at Old Trafford, having doubled his money when he joined from Sporting CP, and no fewer than ten players are thought to earn more than the 27-year-old - including summer arrivals Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane.
The 27-year-old, perhaps understandably, is keen to be paid a similar amount to his teammates, given the significant impact he's had on the field.
Nevertheless, there is no suggestion that either Fernandes or United are particularly worried about the situation. He is under contract until 2025, with the club holding the option to extend that by 12 months, so there is no rush to agree anything new.
If talks resume again in the summer, United will know they need to reward a player who has scored the third most Premier League goals since his arrival - only Mohamed Salah and Harry Kane have netted more than Fernandes' 33.
Source : 90min