Mateus Fernandes: West Ham send clear message to Man United target | OneFootball

Manchester United’s pursuit of Mateus Fernandes has taken another sharp twist as a further Premier League rival is now plotting to strike a deal for the 21-year-old midfielder, according to a new report.

Eyed by Europe’s Elite

There are few relegated players who attract as much attention as West Ham United’s maestro – but Fernandes is no ordinary talent. Already a Portugal international, though not selected for the World Cup squad, the Olhão native has enjoyed a superb season despite his side’s struggles.

Signed from Southampton for an initial £38 million last summer after the Saints also suffered relegation, Fernandes has firmly established himself as one of the best young midfield talents in Europe. While West Ham United will drop down to the Championship next season, he is a player with the quality and skillset to play at the highest level of European football – as proven by the growing queue of elite clubs chasing his signature.

The Red Devils are frontrunners after holding positive talks with Fernandes’ camp, in which he communicated a wish to play alongside his compatriot and namesake, Bruno, at Old Trafford. He is said to consider it a “dream move”.

However, Manchester United are not alone in their admiration. Both Champions League finalists, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, have expressed interest, while Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United are understood to also be in the race.

TEAMtalk now reveals well-placed sources believe Liverpool are “ones to watch in the coming weeks” as the Merseyside giant is said to be “keeping a close eye on the situation”.

One of the major attractions of Fernandes as a target was the belief West Ham United would be forced to accept a cut-price deal to generate much-needed funds ahead of their descent into the Championship.

Some reports suggest they need to raise as much as £150 million, with the midfielder joined by key stars like Jarrod Bowen – also linked with a move to Old Trafford – and Crysencio Summerville in the shop window this summer.

However, the Hammers are playing hardball over Fernandes, demanding £80 million to let him leave east London. A 15% sell-on clause included in the deal with Southampton is another factor driving this exorbitant price.

West Ham United tells Fernandes he will leave

TEAMtalk claims the hierarchy at the London Stadium have directly confirmed to Fernandes he “will be sold” despite their resolute stance.

“Now, following talks with the club over his future, Fernandes has been told by West Ham United that he will be sold, sources have revealed. Manchester United and Arsenal have both already made contact with West Ham United and are actively weighing up formal bids for the 21-year-old.”

The Hammers’ negotiating position is increasingly fragile, making the prospect of their £80 million valuation being met far from likely, regardless of the financial muscle of his various suitors.

Instead, the report concludes there is “growing belief” they will be forced to compromise with “initial offers…anticipated to begin around the £60 million mark”, and there is full expectation of a sale.

“The 21-year-old is considered as one of the best talents on the market this summer and despite the high valuation for what is now a Championship player, he will get a move to an elite side this window and prematurely end his one-year stay at the London Stadium.”

Final Thoughts

Fernandes is an outstanding midfield prospect, with the potential to become one of Europe’s most well-rounded operators. Combining hard yards and high-level technique, he ticks virtually every box – young, hungry, versatile, Premier League proven – INEOS are looking for.

A former Manchester United coach, Neil Harris, even believes Fernandes has “levels” beyond his peers in England, namely Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton. Harris, who worked in the club’s academy for 21 years, considers the West Ham United starlet to be a “conductor” in the mould of his compatriots, Vitinha and Bernardo Silva – two of the best midfielders in Europe.

If Manchester United can exploit the Hammers’ weak position to strike a cut-price deal for Fernandes, it will prove one of the best deals the club can pull off this summer.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

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