Real Madrid warned off making Bruno Fernandes transfer as Man United star is not 'viable'

Bruno Fernandes has been linked with a sensational move to Real Madrid this summer

Real Madrid should avoid the temptation of signing Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as the club need to prioritise defensive additions instead. That is the verdict of ex-Los Blancos forward Fernando Morientes, who has made is clear he is not a fan of the club targeting Fernandes.

It was reported earlier this month that Real Madrid are lining up a stunning £90million move for the Portugal international. Fernandes has been scouted by Carlo Ancelotti's representatives at 'virtually every single Man Utd home and away game' this season. Los Blancos believe that Fernandes could help take them to the next level.

Despite this, Ruben Amorim has reiterated that Fernandes, 30, is NOT for sale and will remain at United beyond the end of the summer transfer window. The former Sporting CP playmaker has scored 16 goals and added 18 assists in 48 matches across all competitions for United this season.

Now, Morientes, who won the Champions League three times during his time with Real Madrid, has admitted that his former club need to avoid Fernandes and instead look at strengthening at the back. Los Blancos have endured a number of issues in that area throughout the campaign.

Courtesy of bet365's UEFA Champions League coverage, Morientes said: "Bruno Fernandes to Real Madrid? No, I'm not sure, and I don't see it as viable. He's an interesting profile, but I don't think Real Madrid are interested right now.

"He's not Real Madrid's priority, I think they're thinking a lot more about other positions, and although in that position there are some players who might be finishing their careers, I get the feeling they're looking for more defenders."

Last month, Amorim was asked about Fernandes' future - less than 12 months since the midfielder signed a new contract at Old Trafford. "No, it's not going to happen," Amorim stressed when asked about Real Madrid's proposed move for the Portuguese.

"That (becoming more competitive) is the challenge. I want Bruno here because maybe in the lowest moments of our season he... We want to win the Premier League again, so we want the best players to continue with us.

"He's 29, I think, but he's still so young because he plays 55 games every season and between assists and goals he's there for 30 at least. So he’s the type of player we want here so he's not going anywhere.

"We are in control of the situation and I feel that he is really happy here, especially because he understands what we want to do and then I think he is one more supporter of Man United. He really feels it.

"Sometimes the frustration that you see, that everybody sees and maybe says, is not a good thing in a captain. It's a sign that he wants this so bad.

"This is the kind of player that we want and he's not going anywhere because I've already told him!"