Mateus Fernandes: Man United hold talks as West Ham hike the price | OneFootball

Manchester United are accelerating their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes, despite West Ham United hiking the price for their midfield maestro, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Talks are underway

The Red Devils are prioritising a major revamp in midfield this summer, with the bulk of the budget set to be directed towards fixing Michael Carrick’s engine room. Given Casemiro‘s departure already confirmed, and Manuel Ugarte looking likely to join the Brazilian, at least two – potentially three if the 25-year-old Uruguayan is sold – new signings are expected to arrive at Old Trafford.

A £39 million deal for Atalanta dynamo Ederson has already been agreed, though a late call-up to the World Cup squad for Brazil has potentially delayed plans to finalise the move. The 26-year-old is an all-action enforcer, capable of playing in a variety of roles and systems, who received the seal of approval from Carrick in meetings with the recruitment team, headed by sporting director Jason Wilcox.

Fernandes – West Ham’s 21-year-old breakout star – is next on the agenda for United, though a host of top clubs are also hot on his trail after a superb campaign.

This includes Champions League finalists Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, with Real Madrid another suitor. Incoming manager Jose Mourinho is said to be impressed as the ‘Special One’ wants young and hungry players to help him turn things around at the Bernabeu.

Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Source: Sofascore

In response to this growing queue, Romano reveals INEOS have held talks with the Portugal international’s camp this week to assess the viability of a deal: “Manchester United are in direct conversations with the agents of Mateus Fernandes. [They] have made contact over the last 48 hours…to start [talks] about the eventual cost of the deal, transfer fee but also salary.”

West Ham playing hardball

Fernandes is open to joining the Red Devils, considering both Old Trafford a ‘dream’ move and Bruno Fernandes an idol. Conversely, the club captain is believed to have recommended his compatriot to the hierarchy. The 21-year-old is even said to be leaning towards United over offers elsewhere, with first-team minutes understood to be a major factor.

However, West Ham are playing hardball over their prized asset, with the east London club needing to raise significant funds after being relegated last season. Fernandes is the most valuable asset at the London Stadium, while Southampton – the club West Ham signed him from last year for £42m – are entitled to 15% of a future sale.

This combination has emboldened the Hammers to increase the price for the youngster, despite their descent into the Championship, with initial reports suggesting they wanted £80m. But Romano claims this has now risen to £85m, amid growing interest in England and on the continent.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2064046044363571213/photo/1

Tweet: “Understand Matheus Fernandes price tag has been fixed by West Ham in a meeting with his camp: £85m. Manchester United in contact with player side, more clubs also attentive and keen.”

Final Thoughts

Fernandes’ profile – a young, versatile midfielder with a potent combination of physical and technical attributes and a track record in the Premier League – ticks virtually every box INEOS are looking for this summer.

But an £85m outlay for a 21-year-old staring down the barrel of successive relegations (Southampton faced the same fate last year) is exorbitant, even with United ready to unleash a hefty war chest and a number of elite clubs, including Real, looking to strike.

Had West Ham survived the drop, their negotiating position would be far stronger than it is now and these valuations might have held more weight. A Championship club in desperate need of income cannot afford to play hardball, however. The fact that United are advancing a deal suggests confidence in M16 that their counterparts in east London will soon fold their weak hand.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

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