Manchester United are reportedly showing interest in West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with Bruno Fernandes himself keen on playing alongside his Portugal international teammate at Old Trafford. INEOS, the club’s co-owners, are planning ahead for the summer transfer window, having secured their place in the Premier League top five this season.
Fernandes a Target Amid Midfield Departures
Man Utd are expected to bring in two new midfielders during the summer transfer window. Casemiro is set to leave Man Utd at the end of the season. Manuel Ugarte’s days at Old Trafford are also numbered because of Sir Ram Ratcliffe’s desire to sell him.
West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is on the radar of Man Utd.
Bruno Fernandes’ Approval and Contact with Representatives
Bruno Fernandes is reportedly ‘a keen admirer’ of Fernandes. The Portugal international attacking midfielder is said to have ‘talked up his namesake and compatriot’s credentials’ to INEOS.
Fernandes himself is reportedly keen on a move to Man Utd and wants to play with his Portuguese compatriot and eventually succeed him in the team. Man Utd are reportedly the ‘frontrunners’ for Fernandes and have ‘already made contact with his representatives’. The 21-year-old’s camp has supposedly responded positively.
The midfielder is reported to be ‘extremely keen on a move to Old Trafford’ in the summer transfer window.
Potential Cost and Competition for Fernandes
Man Utd reportedly views Fernandes as a potential long-term solution in midfield, with some sources suggesting that he could even partner or eventually succeed club captain Bruno Fernandes. However, acquiring Fernandes will not be a cheap deal for Man Utd.
West Ham reportedly values Fernandes at £80million, despite potentially losing their Premier League status for next season. Man Utd will reportedly face competition from other top clubs for the former Southampton star.
Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly already made contact with Fernandes’s camp. Newcastle United, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Chelsea are also reportedly keen on Fernandes, who has scored six goals and given four assists in 40 matches in all competitions for West Ham so far this season.
Talks with Man Utd interim manager Michael Carrick over the permanent role will begin soon.