Man United face major hurdle if they want to complete West Ham transfer | OneFootball

The Red Devils have been strongly linked with the Portugal international.

There has already been intense speculation about Mateus Fernandes' future at West Ham, but despite links to Europe's biggest clubs, he remains at the London Stadium.

The Portugal international enjoyed a phenomenal first season with the Hammers, having joined from Southampton last summer, and the club's relegation means he will likely leave before the start of the Championship campaign.

Manchester United are keen to add to the hub of Michael Carrick's midfield, and with Manuel Ugarte now sidelined with a long-term injury, that need has only grown.

Despite the Red Devils being desperate to bring the 21-year-old to Old Trafford, there is one obstacle preventing them from signing him.

Manchester United refusing to meet Mateus Fernandes' asking price

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Carrick did a stellar job to qualify United for the Champions League, but he will need to bring in several reinforcements if the club are to compete on all fronts.

Central midfield is clearly an area of the pitch that needs strengthening, and it is no surprise that Fernandes is on the club's radar given his ability and high ceiling.

However, despite being relegated to the Championship, the Irons are clearly going to stand firm over their in-demand players, with Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville among those who may leave.

Now, it has been reported that while Man United want Fernandes, they are refusing to pay the £80million asking price, according to Times Sport.

The Portuguese made 38 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring four and assisting four, but did not make Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad despite his form.

Why West Ham will surely budge on extortionate Fernandes asking price

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There is no denying that Fernandes is a player of immense quality, but £80m is quite frankly a ridiculous price to pay for a player who is set to play Championship football next season.

Of course, West Ham have seemingly set a high bar to attract big offers for their prized assets, and they will know that they are unlikely to garner such a fee for a player.

The Irons will also be all too aware of Man United's spending power and how they are used to paying sizeable fees for players, and will use that as leverage.

If the East London club are going to yield that much for the 21-year-old, then his most likely destination would likely be away from Old Trafford, as Tottenham appear set to spend substantially on players to attract them to North London.

Out of all the Hammers' wanted players, Fernandes seems the most likely to depart, and it would be unsurprising if he left for less than the £80m they are after.

Either way, West Ham will not want this saga to drag on too much longer, as any generated funds could be used to significantly bolster the squad.