Fabrizio Romano has issued an update on Manchester United's reported bid to land West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer. The Red Devils are in the market for a combative midfielder as they look to replace the outgoing Casemiro this summer.
Michael Carrick has already snapped up Ederson from Atalanta, but United want a statement signing they can plug and play in that holding role. A number of names have been mentioned, but West Ham's Fernandes seems to be one of the lead targets, and Romano has provided the latest on the situation.
Romano's Fernandes to Man Utd update
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano reported that United are currently in talks with West Ham over the signing of Fernandes, though the fee could be a sticking point.
"My understanding remains £85million the price of the player," he began. "Obviously West Ham (would like) to have several clubs at the table to drive the price up, but at the moment still an open situation, the one of Mateus Fernandez, Real Madrid, genuine interest, a name indicated by José Mourinho, but they signed Bernardo Silva, so there are many midfielders at Real Madrid right now, and that's why, at the moment, for Real Madrid, interest, yes, contact, yes, but still nothing advanced.
"Manchester United are in official negotiations with the agent of the player talking about the contract, and Manchester United are also in contact with West Ham to discuss about the transfer fee. Man United are not going to pay completely crazy money, so Man United wants to understand if there is the possibility to restructure the deal, maybe a lower fee than 85 million pounds, but maybe adding some add-ons and try to find a different structure."
Fernandes a man in demand
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
Fernandes is attracting plenty of attention this summer, and while part of that is West Ham suffering relegation, interest was always likely given he clearly stood out for the Hammers in the season just gone.
At just 21 years of age, Fernandes has been identified by many as a player who has a huge future ahead of him, and national team manager Roberto Martinez is also well aware.“Regarding Mateus Fernandes, what he’s doing now is incredible," he said. "We all know his journey and what he did in the under-21s.”
Fernandes is not at this summer's World Cup, with Portugal having a superb midfield that includes Vitinha, who is arguably the best in the world in his position. But it's clear Fernandes is well on course for a spot in his country's national team.
Manchester United caretaker manager Michael Carrick celebrates Premier League win over Liverpool at Old Trafford Related
Romano: Man Utd Preparing Bid for £85m 'Superstar' After Talks With Agent
Manchester United are keen to sign Mateus Fernandes in the summer transfer window