Manchester United are actively pursuing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, though a significant gap remains between the clubs’ valuation of the player, according to sources close to both sides. The Red Devils view Fernandes as a key component in rebuilding their midfield, following the departure of Casemiro and with Manuel Ugarte potentially available for transfer.
United have already secured a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, with the Brazilian set to officially join on July 1st for a fee of around €45 million. Manager Michael Carrick is reportedly keen to add at least two further players to the engine room to bolster the squad ahead of a Champions League campaign and a Premier League title challenge.
TEAMtalk reported initial contact with Fernandes’s agents on May 14th, and those hopes have reportedly gained momentum. While West Ham are willing to sanction a sale following their relegation from the Premier League, they are initially demanding a fee of £80 million. United, however, are unwilling to meet that valuation.
An insider, known as Sully and writing for UtdDistrict, stated that West Ham’s reported asking price is inflated, and that United would not pay that amount. Sully added that Fernandes himself prefers a move to Old Trafford, though his representatives are keen to avoid making this public knowledge to maintain a strong negotiating position.
Sources at TEAMtalk confirmed last week that West Ham have cleared Fernandes for a summer exit. Despite interest from clubs like Napoli and Aston Villa, Fernandes is reportedly prioritizing a move to United, having expressed admiration for players within the squad. PSG are also admirers of the 21-year-old, but are not considered his first choice. The situation remains fluid, with both clubs engaged in negotiations and a potential breakthrough dependent on bridging the gap in valuation.
United’s pursuit of Fernandes comes as they appear to have lost out on another midfield target, Elliot Anderson, with Manchester City poised to make a second bid for the player.
