Surprise new club linked with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Nottingham Forest face challenge in landing Marco Silva - Paper Round

The future of Bruno Fernandes continues to be a talking point, with reports linking the Manchester United captain with a move to a surprise new club. Elsewhere in Monday's Paper Round, Nottingham Forest have identified Fulham manager Marco Silva as their preferred candidate to replace Ange Postecoglou - but face a significant challenge. Meanwhile, Kevin Muscat has turned down Rangers.

Bayern want Fernandes

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is wanted by Bayern Munich, reports the Mirror.

The Portugal international was linked with a move away from the club during the summer but reportedly turned down moves from Saudi Pro League clubs Al Hilal and Al Ittihad.

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"With just over 18 months remaining on his contract with United, speculation about Fernandes' future continues to swirl," states the outlet.

"Despite being a pivotal figure in the squad since his arrival from Sporting CP, uncertainty looms. German champions Bayern are eyeing up a swoop for Fernandes, with United slapping a £70 million price tag on him.

"United are open to entertaining bids for any player in their squad if the offer is right, following a colossal £236 million summer transfer splurge.

"United's final standing in the current season could significantly influence Fernandes's future. If they fail to secure a spot in the Champions League for the 2026/27 campaign, then the 31-year-old may opt to seek pastures new."

Hargreaves explains how ‘best No. 10 in division’ Fernandes is being hamstrung

Video credit: TNT Sports

Forest face challenge in landing Silva

Nottingham Forest want to appoint Marco Silva as Ange Postecoglou’s successor but face a significant challenge in doing so.

Forest ended Postecoglou’s managerial reign after just 39 days immediately after the 3-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday, a match that was live on TNT Sports and discovery+.

Sean Dyche and Roberto Mancini have also been linked with the job, but Fulham boss Silva is apparently the preferred candidate.

The Times writes: "Marco Silva is Nottingham Forest’s first choice to replace Ange Postecoglou, however the Portuguese coach is reluctant to leave Fulham mid-season.

"It is understood that Forest have been trying to persuade Silva, who is in the final year of his contract, to leave Craven Cottage, but as it stands, they have not received an indication that he would want to depart in the middle of a campaign. Sean Dyche remains a serious contender, although he is believed to be reluctant to accept a short-term contract.

"Silva has a release clause believed to be worth £12 million in his Fulham contract and this would need to be met for a move to happen. Forest have already paid out compensation for Postecoglou and Nuno Espírito Santo this season.

"It’s understood that Forest have not made a formal approach to Fulham for Silva.

"While Silva is their preferred candidate, they have also contacted the former Everton and Burnley manager Dyche, as well as the former Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini."

Inside the sacking of Postecoglou: Tunnel and dressing room insight revealed

Video credit: TNT Sports

Muscat withdraws from Rangers talks

Rangers have failed in their bid to make Kevin Muscat their new manager.

The Australian was Rangers' leading candidate to replace Russell Martin, but the Mail claims Muscat has rejected the chance to take the hotseat at Ibrox.

The article reads: "Kevin Muscat has pulled out of the running to be Rangers’ next manager as the saga to find Russell Martin’s replacement took a dramatic new twist.

"The Australian was the Ibrox club’s preferred candidate after Steven Gerrard and Danny Rohl withdrew from the running, and initial talks with the American owners last week were said to have gone well.

"However, having then spoken with chief executive Patrick Stewart and sporting director Kevin Thelwell over the weekend, the 52-year-old has opted to stay put at Chinese Super League club Shanghai Port.

"With the Chinese season not due to end until late November, it’s understood that both parties ultimately agreed that the deal - which could have seen the 52-year-old possibly miss a further seven Rangers matches - was impracticable.

"While Rangers sources have shot down suggestions that Muscat wasn’t sure he would fit into the club’s recruitment model, the development nonetheless increases the heat around Stewart and Thelwell after failing to conclude a deal with a third prospective candidate.

"Sources are adamant that the club have been in talks with other parties and remain confident that an appointment will be made in the coming days."

Highlights: Rangers endure more misery with defeat in Austria

Video credit: TNT Sports

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