- Man Utd told Mateus Fernandes price
- West Ham want expensive deal
- Reds likely won’t pay it
Manchester United‘s interest in West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes appears to be growing with each passing week. He’s just one of many midfielders on the club’s radar.
The Portuguese midfielder is expected to leave the London Stadium this summer and could arrive at Old Trafford. Reports claim that the Hammers need to raise over £100m due to their financial situation.
Fernandes has been a standout performer in a season to forget for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. He has registered five goals and four assists in 41 games across competitions, pulling the strings in the middle of the park.
READ: Latest Manchester United news and updates
FOLLOW: Read Man Utd on Facebook, Instagram and X
Man Utd must cough up £80m
While Manchester United are targeting Fernandes, it seems unlikely they’d meet West Ham’s asking price. A report from Mail Sport claims that the Londoners are demanding £80m to part with the Portugal international.
That fee is extremely high for a player who joined the Irons from Southampton for £40m last summer. He has enjoyed a fine season, but doubling his value within a year based on his performances doesn’t feel justified.
Fernandes also shouldn’t be viewed as a priority, as the main focus is on replacing Casemiro. The young Portuguese midfielder lacks the defensive strength required to take the veteran Brazilian’s place in Michael Carrick’s team.
Should West Ham be relegated, that might force their hand and help the Reds negotiate a lower fee. A £50-60m fee feels fairer and more reflective of his status and contributions this season.
Midfield reshuffle
United have plenty of options on their midfield shortlist and it appears they are edging close to signing Ederson. Reports claim that the Reds are in talks with Atalanta for the Brazilian and could seal a £45m deal in the coming days.
Ederson is a more viable Casemiro replacement but he probably isn’t the solution. It feels more like the 26-year-old will replace Manuel Ugarte, whose days at Old Trafford look numbered.
A more high-profile name is needed to address Casemiro’s exit when his contract expires in June. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni are the two top targets.
