When West Ham are expected to sell Mateus Fernandes by as Spurs and Man Utd lurk | OneFootball

Mateus Fernandes is gaining increasing interest from clubs in the Premier League

West Ham are set for a busy summer ahead following their relegation from the Premier League.

The Hammers finished 18th in the top flight, and are now preparing for their first year back in the Championship since 2012.

Nuno Espírito Santo will be keen to keep hold of his first team squad, and strengthen in areas that can help the team compete for promotion in their first season in the second tier.

The Portuguese coach has experience of winning the second tier title, having achieved that success with Wolves in 2018.

But the Irons are at risk of losing key figures from the squad, as they target big money moves away from the London Stadium.

However, a change in ownership is set to be confirmed in the coming weeks, with Daniel Kretinsky agreeing a deal to become the new majority shareholder, increasing his stake in the club.

West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes transfer timeline

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It has been reported by the Daily Mail that West Ham are hoping to wrap up their transfer business regarding Mateus Fernandes by 30 June due to the profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

The Hammers posted a loss of £104.2 million in their most recent financial year, and they only have an allowance of losses worth £105 million over a three year period within the rules.

The club will be at risk of a points deduction if they are found to have breached PSR, and the sales of players are the best source of revenue this close to the end of their financial year.

Fernandes has earned a lot of attention in the transfer market since West Ham’s relegation was confirmed.

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to have entered the race for his signature, with Manchester United also being credited with interest.

The London outfit are seeking up to £85 million, although their leverage will decrease day-by-day if they do indeed need to generate sales to help comply with PSR.

How West Ham fans feel about Mateus Fernandes’ future

Some fans are sceptical that West Ham will be able to hold onto Fernandes, who was a key figure last season.

But despite the rivalry with Spurs, fans aren’t too fussed about the prospect of the midfielder joining Roberto de Zerbi’s side, particularly with Man United also in the chase.

The consequence of relegation is quite clear to supporters, but it has been suggested that Spurs may even be more preferable to the Red Devils as they could try and bring Alfie Devine the other way in exchange.

Yet even with the PSR deadline approaching at the end of the month, the Hammers have been urged to maintain their stance over Fernandes’ asking price.

The PSR deadline for the financial year will come on 30 June, giving West Ham just under two weeks to generate any potential funds they may need.

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Mateus Fernandes is West Ham’s most valuable asset

West Ham couldn’t set an £80+ million asking price on any other player in their squad with the expectation it might actually get paid.

He is their most valuable asset, and therefore it makes the most sense to pursue a possible sale for him before the end of this month to bolster their books.

But they have other options as well, if they want to hold firm on the current asking price, so it’s far from a foregone conclusion Fernandes will be sold by 30 June.