- Man Utd want Mateus Fernandes
- West Ham demanding £85m
- One of several options
Fabrizio Romano has given an update on Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese star is on the Reds’ wishlist.
According to Romano, West Ham insist on a fixed price of £85m for Fernandes. The club have met with the player’s camp and made clear this is their valuation of the player.
Fernandes enjoyed a fine past season at the London Stadium but is expected to be on the move this summer. The Hammers suffered relegation and, as a result, need to raise around £150m in funds.
West Ham want £85m for Fernandes
Manchester United are said to be in direct contact with the player’s representatives and have discussed the cost of a deal and the desired salary. This all points to the club launching a concrete move for the 21-year-old and trying to make him Michael Carrick’s second summer signing.
The main issue is the asking price as £85m is a lot of money to spend on a player who won’t be Casemiro’s direct replacement. He is undoubtedly an exciting midfield prospect who shone at the London Stadium this past season.
Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer for £40m. He made 42 appearances across competitions, scoring five goals and providing as many assists.
Man Utd midfield overhaul
United ideally end the summer with three new midfield signings. The first of those will be Ederson amid a £38m deal with Atalanta for the Brazilian.
The main focus is on replacing Casemiro, and Fernandes doesn’t possess the profile to do so. Other midfield targets include Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson whom the club still think they can beat Manchester City to, despite his reported £100m valuation.
