Manchester United have been linked with a move for Mateus Fernandes throughout the summer and it appears they have some demands for his club West Ham United
Mason Mount and Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes has been on Man United's radar all summer(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Manchester United have made it clear to West Ham that they will not be held to ransom over Mateus Fernandes. United have identified Fernandes as their top transfer priority this summer.
They have withdrawn from the race to sign England midfielder Elliot Anderson and it's believed United deem Sandro Tonali to be too expensive. Fernandes is United's No. 1 midfield target right now and the Portuguese international has made no secret of his desire to move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old is desperate to secure Champions League football, while United are confident that agreeing personal terms will not pose a problem.
The main sticking point, however, appears to be the fee West Ham are demanding for Fernandes. The Hammers have placed a valuation of around £80m on the midfielder and are keen to spark a bidding war, with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid also circling, reports the Mirror.
West Ham believe Fernandes is the finest young talent in the Premier League, with the potential to command a fee in excess of £100m in the not-too-distant future.
United, however, are unwilling to meet that asking price. Senior figures at the club have weighed up the benefits of bringing Fernandes into Michael Carrick's squad.
Mateus Fernandes during a West Ham match
Man United want to bolster their midfield after letting Casemiro go(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
View 3 Images
The feeling at Old Trafford is that, while Fernandes possesses enormous potential, he has yet to fully prove himself at the highest level.
United are expected to table an opening bid later this week - but it will fall well short of £80m. Whether the two clubs can find common ground on the fee remains to be seen.
However, with Fernandes having set his heart on a move to Old Trafford, United are refusing to be rushed and are willing to play the long game in the hope of securing a deal on their own terms.
Mateus Fernandes during a West Ham United game
It's understood Mateus Fernandes wants to join United(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
A medical has already been set for £39m midfield signing Ederson from Atalanta. He is expected to be the first of three potential midfield arrivals this summer.
Meanwhile, United have played down reports claiming a £60m agreement has been struck with Newcastle to sign Lewis Hall. Although United continue to hold the England international in high regard, bringing in a left back is not at the top of their transfer agenda right now.