Manchester United are poised to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes for a fee of €92 million (£80 million), according to The Times. The 21-year-old has emerged as a key target for several top European clubs following a standout season with the Hammers, despite their relegation from the Premier League.
Fernandes’ performances have attracted interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain, with West Ham anticipating a sale as they adjust to life outside of the Premier League. United have identified strengthening their midfield as a priority ahead of the summer transfer window opening on June 15th, and are now increasingly confident of securing a deal for the Portuguese international.
The pursuit of Fernandes comes amid a shift in United’s midfield targets, with the club reportedly cooling their interest in Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson. BBC Sport reported that United were unwilling to enter a bidding war for Anderson after Manchester City had a second bid of up to €139 million (£120 million) rejected, with the player believed to favour a move to City. Anderson is currently preparing for England’s World Cup campaign.
United have already agreed a €40.5 million (£35 million) deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, though the completion of that transfer is currently delayed due to Ederson receiving a late call-up to the Brazil squad following an injury to Roma defender Wesley. Fernandes, however, was not selected for Portugal’s World Cup party, having earned his first international cap in a friendly against the United States in April.
Should both Fernandes and Ederson join, United’s recruitment in midfield may not be complete. BBC Sport reports that the club’s hierarchy are considering the possibility of a third central midfield addition, with Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba among those monitored. The Athletic also reports that United have scouted Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, and Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.
