Manchester United are preparing a bid for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to reports from The i Paper. The move comes as co-owners INEOS look to bolster the squad following Champions League qualification.
Fernandes’s future at London Stadium is uncertain after West Ham’s relegation to the Championship, and the player himself is reportedly keen on a transfer to Old Trafford. Sources have indicated to TEAMtalk that United is Fernandes’s ‘first pick’ destination.
The 21-year-old midfielder has impressed with his ability to receive the ball across the pitch, and the club views him as a potential competitor to Kobbie Mainoo in the midfield. United have already reportedly made contact with Fernandes’s agents, with discussions expected to progress in the coming weeks.
West Ham had previously valued Fernandes at £80 million, but the club’s relegation may necessitate a reduced fee. The potential sale is driven by the need to restructure the squad following their demotion. Manager Michael Carrick will be hoping to add depth and quality to his midfield options ahead of the new season.
This potential acquisition is part of a broader summer plan for United, which also includes reported interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Atalanta’s Ederson Silva. Securing Fernandes would provide further competition and tactical flexibility in a key area of the pitch, potentially strengthening United’s title ambitions.
