Mateus Fernades: West Ham make huge demand for Man United target | OneFootball

Manchester United have been rocked by West Ham United’s refusal to budge on their demand for maestro Mateus Fernandes, despite internal hopes of a cut-price deal, according to a new report.

Premier League Tax

The Red Devils are planning an overhaul of their midfield unit this summer, with at least two – potentially three if Manuel Ugarte is sold – new signings set to arrive at Old Trafford.

The priority is a ‘marquee’ replacement for Casemiro, whose contract expires this month, in the No.6 position. An all-action No.8 and a cheaper option with high upside are also wanted.

The primary targets are Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni, though deals for either are unlikely at this stage.

Sandro Tonali is another highly rated candidate with the requisite balance of physical and technical qualities that United’s hierarchy are focusing on. However, Newcastle United’s demand of £100 million to part with the Italian has cooled interest.

It is a similar case with Carlos Baleba, Brighton & Hove Albion’s 22-year-old enforcer with whom United agreed personal terms last year. The Seagulls’ refusal to budge on their valuation – similar to Newcastle’s stance – after a major downturn in form has deterred the Cameroonian’s suitors.

This has led to Fernandes rapidly emerging as a priority target for United, given West Ham United’s relegation was expected to lead to a cut-price deal as they need to raise up to £150 million in sales.

But the old adage of ‘Premier League tax’ has reared its ugly head again, as the Hammers are intent on demanding “up to £80 million” to sign the 21-year-old Portugal international, The Times reveals.

Playing Hardball

United are considered frontrunners for Fernandes after holding productive talks with the player’s camp. It is understood that he has communicated a strong desire to complete a switch to M16, even ahead of offers from other top clubs, with sources revealing he considers it a “dream move”.

Both Champions League finalists – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain – have made advances, while there is interest from Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Initially, it was believed a fee in the region of £60 million would be sufficient if West Ham were unable to avoid the drop, putting Fernandes within INEOS’s budget.

A different report by The Times writes: “United are also hopeful of completing the signing of the West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, for about £40 million, after their relegation to the Championship”.

However, the East London side appear well aware of the prodigious talent they have in their ranks and want to be properly compensated if forced to lose the youngster, with the asking price set at double United’s estimate. The £38 million deal which brought him to the London Stadium from Southampton last summer included a 15% sell-on clause, further emboldening this negotiating position.

Final Thoughts

Despite possessing a well-rounded skillset with the scope to grow into an outstanding midfielder, Fernandes remains a work in progress. An £80 million outlay on potential is one a club like Paris Saint-Germain can afford, both on and off the pitch; United simply cannot.

If West Ham stick to their guns and spark a bidding war that sees the price rocket for the Olhão native, the Red Devils will be forced to move on from yet another key target in their attempt to fix their stalling engine room.

But if Fernandes actively pushes to complete his ‘dream’ move to the Theatre of Dreams, perhaps United can leverage the Hammers towards a midway point in the £60m range, a fee more in line with a 21-year-old talent.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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