By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Transfer ITK Fabrizio Romano has revealed in his latest update that Manchester United are in talks with the agent of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
For those who don’t know, Fernandes’ agent is Jorge Mendes, who also represents both Nuno Espírito Santo and José Mourinho.
Mourinho, now at Real Madrid, remains very much in the race for the 21-year-old and has reportedly made it known to club president Florentino Pérez that he would like to sign his fellow Portuguese midfielder.
However, according to Romano, it is Manchester United who remain in the driving seat.
United Step Up Fernandes Pursuit
As Claret & Hugh reported yesterday, the decision-makers at Old Trafford have concluded that the reported £120 million valuation of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson is simply too expensive.
That has left the pathway clearer for Manchester City and shifted Manchester United’s focus firmly onto Fernandes.
As a result, West Ham’s £85 million asking price suddenly looks a lot more achievable.
Speaking on X, Romano said:
“Manchester United remain keen on Mateus Fernandes with more clubs also in the race.
“José Mourinho mentioned his name to Real Madrid yesterday, more Premier League clubs showing interest.
“Price tag around £85m.”
Fernandes is wanted by both Man U and Arsenal
Big Clubs Continue To Circle
Manchester United are understood to have undergone a debt restructuring which could free up additional transfer funds this summer.
As a result, they currently appear to be leading the chase for Fernandes.
That said, the competition remains fierce.
Real Madrid continue to monitor the situation, while Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have also been heavily linked with the West Ham midfielder.
The longer this drags on, the more it feels like West Ham’s biggest challenge won’t be finding buyers.
It will be deciding which of Europe’s elite clubs is prepared to meet their valuation.
If Fernandes opts for Madrid. It’s likely that the price could be lower than anticipated. Mainly due to the lure of Madrid and the players insistence that it’s their destination of choice, boyhood dream, blah blah!
Therefore the market closes for them.
Anybody remember Payet leaving for 50% less than market value 🤔.
Forest reportedly turned down a deal worth £120m from City for Anderson so am guessing they value him even higher than that. With PSG and Real also in the frame and if City can’t get Anderson possibly they may be interested too as he is PL proven looks at this point in time like we might be interested too a good position, if Newcastle sell Tonali they will also be interested too the market for someone like Fernandes.
Fernandes should go to man utd to realize his real future
With add ons need to be £100m plus definitely a sell on clause.
All the Spanish outlets that I’m reading are saying he’s nailed on going to Los Blancos, they say him and Mourino have past history