Sporting CP retain hope of Bruno Fernandes playing for them against Benfica this weekend.

Manchester United are closing on a deal for the midfielder.

But O Jogo says Sporting are slowing down the process in a bid to 'play for time,' having originally appeared set to sell this week.

The reason is apparently down to Sporting's next fixture.

They face their biggest rivals Benfica on Friday night, which is their most important match in the Primeira Liga season.

It is now unclear how long it would take for Fernandes to become a United player - although it is expected to still be completed before the end of the month.