Tottenham Hotspur manager José Mourinho has confirmed the club will not make a move for Sporting CP midfielder Bruno Fernandes due to the player's price tag.
The 25-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to north London for some time and Spurs even made an offer for Fernandes during the summer transfer window, while Manchester United were also targeting the Portugal international during Mourinho's spell at Old Trafford.
But Mourinho has insisted that Tottenham won't be signing Fernandes, suggesting the midfielder's £85m release clause, which is included in his new long-term contract at Sporting CP, is too expensive for them to meet.
"We are different club at this level," Mourinho told Sport TV (via The Daily Mail). "We are not a club that is going to make big transfers in the market, nor is it going towards players who are already developed or at a certain level of expectation, also economically.
"I would definitely say no because Bruno is a player of a level and value that is not for us."
News of Fernandes' new contract would have come as a shock for Mourinho, especially after 90min revealed the Tottenham Hotspur boss had instructed super agent Jorge Mendes to keep him up to date over the midfielder's future.
Even though Fernandes has signed a new contract and Mourinho responded by ruling out a transfer, comments last month would suggest that the Portugal international could still secure a move in the near future.
Just two weeks before signing a new contract, Fernandes said: "I'm not worried at all [about transfer rumours]. Since 2016, there's been talk about my possible departure.
"I'm well, doing my job and doing the best I can. I have dreams to fulfil but I have no need to force my departure. I feel the love here and if I have to leave, I hope I leave good memories."
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Source: 90min
