Mateus Fernandes on Manchester United’s radar ahead of summer rebuild | OneFootball

Manchester United have identified West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes as a summer transfer target.

United considered a move for Fernandes last summer when Southampton were relegated, but ultimately opted against it. Their recruitment staff are once again monitoring him closely.

Fernandes joined West Ham last August for an initial £38 million, with a further £4m in add-ons, making him the club’s third most expensive signing.

Despite a difficult campaign at club level, Fernandes’ personal reputation has continued to grow.

Dubbed as the ‘ultimate Premier League midfielder’, he recently broke into the full Portugal squad after captaining the under-21s.

He made his senior debut as a substitute in a friendly against the United States and is now targeting a place in Roberto Martinez’s plans for this summer’s World Cup.

West Ham are determined to keep hold of Fernandes regardless of their Premier League fate. If they avoid relegation, the Hammers will resist any approach.

Their ability to retain one of their most valuable assets becomes considerably more complicated if they go down, and United are positioning themselves accordingly, with Paris Saint-Germain also interested.

At Old Trafford, the midfield picture is becoming clearer by the day. Casemiro will depart when his contract expires, with Major League Soccer emerging as the most likely destination.

Of the current squad, only Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes figure firmly in United’s plans.

Fernandes previously recommended his compatriot to the Red Devils. The appreciation is mutual, with the West Ham man also a fan of his namesake, whom he ‘looked up to