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AC Milan have become the latest club to show interest in Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes during the summer transfer window, according to a fresh report.

United are due to take on AC Milan in Wroclaw, Poland, on Saturday, 15 August, in their final pre-season friendly, creating an unexpected reunion with Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese coach was dismissed by INEOS in January after a fallout with sporting director Jason Wilcox, despite being backed for 13 months through poor results and even poorer displays.

But after Milan missed out on Champions League qualification last season by finishing fifth in Serie A, the Rossoneri also chose to part ways with their manager, Massimiliano Allegri.

Despite Amorim’s turbulent spell in England, the Italian giants have now turned to him as the figure they believe can revive a sleeping giant at San Siro. The subplot around Marcus Rashford, who is set for his first appearance in a red shirt since being frozen out by the former Sporting CP boss, only adds more intrigue to this weekend’s meeting.

BBC Sport reports that Milan are considering a shock move for Fernandes, joining Juventus and Turkish champions Galatasaray in chasing the 31-year-old creator. His Old Trafford contract includes a £57 million release clause for clubs outside England.

INEOS have been in discussions over a new contract for their skipper, whose current deal runs out next summer, although it also includes an option for an automatic 12-month extension. One of the main reasons behind these talks is to remove that release clause.

Fernandes was Amorim’s trusted lieutenant both on and off the pitch. The two enjoyed a strong working relationship, even as the rest of the side struggled with issues throughout their time together. There is little doubt that, if the decision rested solely with Amorim, £57 million would represent a modest fee to reunite with one of Europe’s finest players.

BBC Sport adds that Fernandes’ “preference is to stay” at Old Trafford beyond this summer, with the possibility that he could spend the rest of his career at Manchester United. Even so, that is balanced by a strong ambition to win trophies and compete at the highest level in both club and international football.

However, the chances of a disjointed AC Milan side, led by a new head coach with no record outside Liga Portugal, being able to offer that appear slim. Their absence from next season’s Champions League only makes the situation more difficult.

If one of Europe’s true heavyweights, such as Bayern Munich or Paris Saint-Germain, were to make a move, Fernandes’ future in M16 would look far less secure. But exchanging one fallen giant in Manchester for another in Milan or Turin is unlikely to carry the same attraction.

Rashford’s return, along with his £325,000-a-week contract, also provides grounds for Fernandes to seek better terms. The Portugal international, coming off the finest season of his career and with the Premier League Player of the Year award to his name, remains the driving force of Michael Carrick’s team.

With INEOS still searching for another marquee midfielder or an expensive new left-back, there is a compelling case that tying down their best player may be the most important task still left to complete this summer.

Overall credibility: 9/10 Why?

The report comes from an outlet with an outstanding record on transfer stories, especially where Old Trafford is concerned. Bruno Fernandes’ contract position makes him an obvious target for elite clubs elsewhere in Europe. Ruben Amorim would be eager to reunite with his former captain and talisman, which explains AC Milan’s interest. There has, however, been no official confirmation of interest or offers from AC Milan, and Fernandes himself would be unlikely to seriously consider any proposal if one did arrive.