West Ham will demand £80m if clubs make formal approaches for midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to reports.
TEAMtalk claim that the Hammers believe they can get a “premium price” for the Portuguese international, especially if they stay in the Premier League.
While the player’s valuation may have to go down if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side do drop down into the Championship, the sheer amount of interest means they can command a sizeable sum from interested teams.
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Fernandes was signed from Southampton for a fee totalling £42m (including add-ons) last August, and his value has only increased after an impressive first season at the London Stadium.
Several clubs are pursuing the West Ham star
It is believed that Manchester United have now contacted Fernandes’s agent, Jorge Mendes, along with Paris Saint-Germain.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle are also said to be weighing up potential moves for the 21-year-old ahead of the next transfer window.
Fernandes is “keen” to play with his namesake
TEAMtalk report that the midfielder is “very keen” to play alongside Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes, who he has described as a “role model”, so a switch to Old Trafford does appear the most probable outcome at the moment, but only if the Red Devils are willing to stump up the cash.
While fans would love to keep hold of Mateus, especially if the Irons do manage to retain their top-flight status, the level of interest from teams who are playing in the Champions League means it would be tough to persuade him to stay.
£80m is close to double what the club paid less than twelve months ago, so if an offer is received for that amount, it is unlikely to be turned down.
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