West Ham United need to plug the gaping holes in the central midfield area this summer.
The Hammers lacked quality in the engine room, and bringing in upgrades through the door must be a priority.
West Ham have thankfully started making transfer moves after a worrying slow start, and they reportedly have a couple of Premier League options on their shortlist.
Per ExWHUEmployee (via The West Ham Way), “Southampton player Mateus Fernandes is one the club are very much looking at as a potential option this summer, with the Portugal U21 star a player admired by Graham Potter and Kyle Macaulay.”
Fernandes was one of the better players as Southampton suffered relegation to the Championship following a year in the top flight.
He scored twice and created six big chances in a struggling Southampton side. The 21-year-old can produce better numbers at a more stable club.
Fernandes, who manager Ivan Juric hailed as ‘extremely professional’, went to the Under-21 European Championship this summer, where he caught the eye in his three outings.
However, the club should be doing everything within its powers to secure a deal for Harvey Elliott instead amid competition from Newcastle United (View).
Elliott will likely cost more than Fernandes, but the highly-rated England youth international delivered four goals and 14 assists last term. His numbers are better. He is also more ready.
Elliott won the Player of the Tournament at the Under-21 Euros and earmarked himself for great things. West Ham must do everything to convince him about a move to East London.
ExWHUEmployee also mentions interest in Bilal El Khannouss of Leicester City, who is similar to Elliott and would be a terrific buy. West Ham will likely only be able to sign one of the trio.
The report also claims that West Ham are considering a swoop to take Chelsea ace Andrey Santos on loan.
Unfortunately, it is hard to imagine the Blues letting him leave following his performances for Strasbourg and at the Club World Cup.
(Stats from Transfermarkt and Sofascore)