Manchester United have reportedly opened a dialogue with West Ham United for Mateus Fernandes, who could become their second summer signing.
The Red Devils already have an agreement in place with Atalanta on Ederson’s imminent transfer. The Brazilian international has yet to put pen to paper, but his arrival has been virtually guaranteed.
But due to Casemiro’s departure and Manuel Ugarte’s expected sale, Man Utd are still expected to buy another two midfielders.
Man Utd & West Ham negotiating Mateus Fernandes deal
In recent weeks, Mateus Fernandes emerged as the favourite to fill in the second slot after Ederson. The Portuguese international was one of West Ham’s few bright spots in a miserable campaign that culminated in relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.
The 21-year-old has already given his preference to United, partially due to the presence of his role model, Bruno Fernandes.
In his latest update on Roundtable, Carrington insider Sully revealed that Man Utd have already started club-to-club negotiations with West Ham, even though ‘internal chaos’ reigns at the East London club following the departure of their longtime chairman, David Sullivan.
The Hammers, who bought the youngster for £39 million from Southampton last summer, have set their asking price at £80 million.
However, MUFC don’t intend to shell out such a hefty figure on the Sporting CP youth product, and they also want to avoid a long and exhausting soap opera. Therefore, it remains to be seen if the two parties can reach a swift agreement.
How much should Man United spend on Fernandes?
Even in the Premier League’s deflated market, spending £80 million on a promising midfielder who suffered back-to-back relegations can be deemed ill-advised.
And if United intend to buy a third midfielder — preferably a more proven one — they wouldn’t want to empty the transfer kitty on Fernandes. It should be remembered that INEOS also plan to address other roles: the club will likely buy a new left-back, and could also add a right-footed left-winger.
| Fernandes’ Career Stats | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Sporting | 10 | 1 | 1 |
| Estoril | 35 | 1 | 3 |
| Southampton | 46 | 4 | 7 |
| West Ham | 38 | 4 | 4 |
After spending almost £40 million on the young Portuguese, West Ham will feel that a comprehensive profit is warranted, but £80 million remains an unrealistic figure.
A transfer fee of £60 million should be more than enough, but we shall see if the Red Devils will be able to drive the price down, as is often the case in club-to-club negotiations.
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