West Ham have decided that they will keep Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to reports in the Portuguese media.
SAPO Apito Final claim that the Hammers are “unwilling” to part ways with the 21-year-old, and that stance even applies if they are relegated this season.
Fernandes cost £42m when he was signed from Southampton last year, and he has had an outstanding debut campaign at the London Stadium.
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It is believed that, while sales will be required if the club loses its top-flight status, the midfielder won’t be sacrificed to balance the books.
2 Premier League clubs would like to sign Fernandes
Manchester United are known to be big admirers of the midfielder, with their captain, Bruno Fernandes, having reportedly recommended him as a target for the Red Devils.
Hugo Viana, who is the Director of Football of Manchester City, is also said to be keeping an eye on the West Ham star.
Viana was sporting director at Sporting Lisbon when Mateus Fernandes was at the club, and SAPO Apito Final report that he has identified the Hammers midfielder as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva.
Would West Ham actually refuse to sell?
In the event of relegation, it is difficult to see how the Irons would keep hold of Fernandes, especially if the player presses for a move himself.
It should not be forgotten that he has recently been capped for the first time by Portugal, and his prospects of playing for his country rely on him staying at the highest level.
Of course, fans will be hoping that the question about what happens to Fernandes after relegation will become irrelevant if Nuno’s men can save themselves from the drop over the next six weeks or so.
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