Club were also interested in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson but have been priced out of a deal by Manchester City
Manchester United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
Last week, United intensified their interest in the Portugal midfielder, who is also attracting attention from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain. Competition for Fernandes is expected to grow during the summer and United are understood to have therefore decided to make an early move for the 21-year-old.
West Ham value Fernandes at around £80m but may struggle to justify that figure given their relegation from the Premier League. The club reported losses of £104.2m in their latest accounts and are under pressure to generate significant income through player sales, with more than £100m expected to be raised from departures during the transfer window.
Fernandes is among West Ham’s most valuable assets after arriving from Southampton for £38m last summer. His performances in a difficult campaign have enhanced his reputation across Europe and prompted interest from several elite clubs.
United are trying to rebuild their midfield after years of weakness at the centre of the pitch. There is also the need to sign a suitable replacement for Casemiro, who left the club following the end of his contract. United have already agreed a deal with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson and Fernandes is considered to be the next target.
Although United are considered the most likely destination for Fernandes, Real Madrid are also monitoring the situation closely. The Spanish club have reappointed Jose Mourinho as manager and could yet test West Ham’s resolve. Arsenal have also tracked the player, who did not make it into Portugal’s squad for this summer’s World Cup.
Both United and Arsenal are understood to value Fernandes much less than West Ham’s valuation. It is unclear how Madrid may evaluate the situation should they become interested. United were also interested in Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson but have been priced out of a deal by Manchester City, who last week put in a bid worth up to £120m.
Fernandes is unlikely to be the only high-profile departure from West Ham following relegation. Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville are attracting interest from a number of clubs, while Everton are among those monitoring the Argentina forward Taty Castellanos.
