Sporting CP coach Silas has said only a "catastrophe" would prevent Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes from missing Friday's league derby against Benfica.

Fernandes has agreed personal terms with United but the two clubs have yet to reach an agreement for the Sporting captain to move to Old Trafford.

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"The only certainty I have is that Bruno will be present," Silas said in Thursday's news conference when asked about Fridays game at the Jose Alvalade stadium. "We have prepared the game with him, he has trained very well, he is an extraordinary player, the best in the league.

"Only a catastrophe would see him miss this. He will be [there] as he always is."

Reports in Portugal suggest United will make a €70 million bid to Sporting for the Portugal international, who scored 31 goals in 50 appearances in all competitions for the Lisbon club last season.

"Bruno is not worth the money that is being said, he is worth a lot more," Silas said. "It's not just going forward but he also kills himself defending.

"I have no player that does what he does. When you have a player like him, it's normal that many people want him."

Asked what player Sporting would need to replace Fernandes, Silas said: "We would not need one player but three. One that scores goals, another one that organises the play and another who defends like he does.

"We would need to find alternative systems [tactics] in order to minimise losing Bruno. There is no player in Portugal that can replace him."