Mateus Fernandes: Man United’s plan for West Ham star explained | OneFootball

Manchester United are reportedly ready to launch a raid for West Ham’s in-demand maestro Mateus Fernandes before the World Cup, according to a new report.

Theatre of Dreams

Despite facing the ignominy of back-to-back relegations, Fernandes remains a player with the skill set to thrive at the highest levels of European football.

The fact that Paris Saint-Germain have held talks with the 21-year-old’s camp over a summer swoop only reinforces this fact, given the incredible selection of talent already plying their trade in Luis Enrique’s midfield unit.

Within the Premier League, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Newcastle United are also interested, as West Ham’s negotiating position for their prized asset has crumbled with their descent into the Championship.

However, the Portugal international — who hails Bruno Fernandes as one of his idols — is understood to only have eyes for Old Trafford, with The i Paper revealing well-placed sources indicate the Red Devils are his “first pick.”

And the feelings are certainly mutual in M16, with INEOS considering Fernandes the “perfect foil” for their captain as the hierarchy looks to assure Bruno they are building a squad “capable of mounting a title tilt.”

United ready to strike

The report states United “intend to move for Fernandes in the coming weeks”, a pursuit made easier by the fact that he was not selected for the Portugal squad for the World Cup, who are set to kick off their tournament in 21 days time.

Despite already being a fully fledged international, Martinez has opted against picking the youngster, though competition in the A Seleção das Quinas’ midfield is amongst the fiercest of any country.

While Fernandes will be naturally disappointed, the decision aids United’s plans, however. The player will be available to negotiate without distractions, and should a pursuit prove successful, he will be able to enjoy a full pre-season with his new team.

The price West Ham would have demanded had they survived was believed to be in excess of £80 million, given they forked out £42 million to sign him from Southampton last summer — and his burgeoning reputation has only grown in this time.

However, the result of relegation means a fee closer to £60 million is expected to be sufficient, further boosting United’s prospects of striking a deal.

Final Thoughts

United are advancing a deal for Atalanta enforcer Ederson, though the 26-year-old will prove considerably cheaper than the alternative targets on the club’s radar. If Fernandes can be added alongside the Brazilian, while a third big-money midfielder arrives at Old Trafford, it would prove transformational.

INEOS are understood to be prioritising the West Ham man due to his “ability to receive the ball all over the price” — a quality which stands him in direct contrast to an existing option in Michael Carrick’s squad, who is set to be sold to make room for the former Sporting CP starlet.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

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