As I’m sure everyone is sick of hearing, my number one West Ham target (out of the list put forward so far) is Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes.
Yesterday, Hammers ITK ExWHUEmployee revealed that the club were preparing a bid for the Portugal Under-21 international — and that claim has been backed up by another source this afternoon.
West Ham fan and Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg has doubled down on Ex’s revelation in his newspaper column, confirming the Irons are preparing an opening bid and even better . . . we’re optimistic about the deal.
Whilst the term opening bid suggests the Hammers’ initial offer is likely to be rejected, Steinberg adds further detail by explaining Fernandes would cost £30m. He also describes the 21-year-old as Graham Potter’s first-choice midfield target — which, quite frankly, is music to my ears.
Sure, the Saints were relegated last season, but don’t be fooled into thinking Fernandes is a poor player — far from it. The former Sporting and Estoril starlet has precisely the qualities West Ham need in midfield.
Skilful, energetic, unafraid to work for the team, and blessed with an excellent eye for a pass, the youngster would bring much-needed quality to what remains a problem area for the Hammers.
No doubt David Sullivan will be buoyed by his frugal negotiating for Mads Hermansen recently, but I suspect this deal will be trickier. However, if West Ham can pull this one off, I’d feel considerably more comfortable heading into the season.
Gonzo let’s hope this gets done Hes the best of the lot out there
So a team of midfielders? Very early century.
How about making Ward-Prowse part of the deal, even if it is a loan with obligation to buy and we subsidise part of the wages? A return to Southampton might appeal to him. That could be the opening bid and the loan fee would offset some of the Fernandes fee.
low ball bid incoming knocked back and Chelski come in and buy him for the second tea lady eleven on £300thousand a week for next 8 years…meanwhile we pounce for Brownhill before anyone(and that would be errrr mmmm errr!)else realises what a talented midfielder just the right side of thirty is available on a free!
Gonzo I am hearing saints want 40 million we aint paying that what I’m afraid of is we go on and back and fourth and get nobody in this is what happens with us we need to pit in what the saints want and get him in before Saturday. Also why are we waiting to put a bid in the afternoon why not bloody morning.
We should offer JWP as part of the deal, that would be a bonus as he has been bang average
Thought Ramsey was Potters number 1 transfer?
Optimism can be very hurtful at times if not achieved.
As they say never count your chickens before they’re hatched.
As whu are fully aware from past experience.
Yes Fernandes would be a great signing and has payed in the premier.
Please do not sign Calvin-Lewin I feel he is past his best and injury prone.
Watching him last season I felt he was well off the pace
Please sign Gueyem
Of all the rumours and click bait,this is the signing that I have been hoping for!! Seen him many times at St Mary’s and he is a proper player. Hopefully this one turns out to be true.
I watched him on saterday really looks the biss every thing we need in midfield