Manchester United treble hero Teddy Sheringham pleaded with Bruno Fernandes to stay at the club. Their current captain has attracted attention from Saudi Arabia, as well as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite rumours swirling around his future, the 31-year-old has consistently delivered for United - establishing himself as an indispensable figure under multiple managers. Michael Carrick is the latest, after being installed as the interim head coach tasked with steering the club back into Europe.
After their 2-0 victory over Manchester City, United find themselves well-placed for the campaign's second half as they trail Liverpool by just one point in the battle for Champions League qualification. Fernandes has netted five goals and provided nine assists in the Premier League this season.
ESPN reports emerged on Wednesday regarding Fernandes' future with United. The club are said to be planning contract extension discussions before the World Cup this summer.
Sheringham reckons United must move heaven and earth to retain the Portugal international. However, he acknowledged that, should a tempting offer arise, it would be difficult to refuse.
The former centre-forward exclusively told the Manchester Evening News, via BetMGM: "Well, you've got to weigh up the situation. You've got to see how old he is.
"At the moment, he's firing on all cylinders and still playing great football. I wouldn't want to lose too many players from Manchester United who are playing at the top of their game, so he'd be one I'd like to keep.
"But again, if they get offered silly money from Saudi, then you've got to look at it because you can. You can revamp your team with a lot of money.
"He's probably been the top performer over the last three years. It hasn't been hard, let's put it that way, because there are a lot of players underperforming.
"His stock is still very high, because he's a top player, keeps scoring goals, and he's leading by example on the football pitch. So I'd be looking to keep Fernandes."