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If all goes according to plan, Manchester United could soon secure a second midfielder this summer, as the situation surrounding Mateus Fernandes is developing rapidly.
Fernandes has become United’s priority transfer target this summer after impressing with his aggressive ball-winning and powerful ball-carrying ability.
According to Sky Sports, United are preparing an opening offer for the 5’10” midfielder, who has been described as a “special talent”.
Manchester United working on Mateus Fernandes deal
Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United are now in contact with West Ham for Mateus Fernandes.
According to the Italian journalist, Real Madrid have shown interest in Fernandes, but their pursuit is not as “advanced” as the Premier League giants.
It is claimed United are in “official negotiations” with the agent of the Portuguese number eight, Jorge Mendes, regarding his contract.
More importantly, United are also in contact with West Ham to understand their demands, indicating the pursuit has moved past discussions among intermediaries and is entering the formal stage of a deal.
It has been suggested that the Hammers have slapped an £85m price-tag on the 21-year-old’s head. However, United are allegedly not going to pay “completely crazy money” for their preferred target.
As such, talks are ongoing to find a consensus by potentially restructuring the deal and including add-ons.
West Ham desperate to raise funds
The Daily Mail, meanwhile, suggest that United are leading the chase for Fernandes after ending their hunt for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson.
United are thought to be ahead of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid in the race for the West Ham sensation.
Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season
| Appearances | 36 |
|---|---|
| Minutes per game | 84 |
| Touches | 58.9 |
| Key passes | 1.0 |
| Accurate passes | 37.9 |
| Interceptions | 1.0 |
| Tackles | 2.9 |
| Goals and assists | 7 |
Source: Sofascore
West Ham are “under pressure to raise more £100m in player sales before the end of this month to comply with financial fair play rules following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.”
As such, the Hammers cannot afford to play a waiting game with the Red Devils, who have already reached an agreement to sign Brazilian dynamo Ederson from Atalanta and have a whole summer to revamp their midfield.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
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