Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has rejected a second offer to extend his contract, increasing the uncertainty surrounding his future as the club prepares for Mauricio Pochettino's arrival.
The Portugal international is due to become a free agent at the end of the season, although United have the option to extend his current agreement by another 12 months, which would keep him at Old Trafford until 2028.
According to BBC Sport, Fernandes has turned down the club's latest proposal after rejecting an initial offer made during the summer. United remain keen to reach an agreement and avoid relying on the extension clause.
The midfielder, 32, would otherwise be able to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with clubs outside England from January, with the possibility of leaving on a free transfer when his current deal expires.
United are expected to activate the additional year if a new contract cannot be agreed before then. Doing so would prevent Fernandes from entering the final six months of his existing agreement and speaking to overseas clubs about a free transfer.
The timing of the latest rejection is significant, with United undergoing another change in leadership after dismissing Michael Carrick on Thursday. Pochettino has agreed to take over as head coach, with the Argentine expected to begin work after completing his commitments with the United States national team.
The club will hope the appointment can help persuade Fernandes to remain. The midfielder came close to joining Pochettino's Tottenham in 2019, before the move was blocked by Sporting Lisbon. He subsequently signed for United six months later.
Fernandes has continued to play a central role for United this season, scoring six goals in 13 appearances. His importance to the team was underlined last season when he recorded 21 Premier League assists, setting a new competition record, and was named PFA Player of the Year.
Negotiations are expected to continue, but the rejection of a second proposal means United have not yet secured the long-term commitment they want from their captain.