Manchester United have been boosted after it was confirmed that West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes really wants to join, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on the deal.
Man United have already secured the first puzzle piece of their midfield rebuild, with Ederson set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup after the Red Devils reached a full agreement with Atalanta and the player over a potential five-year contract.
Now, club chiefs have turned their attentions to bringing in a second midfielder to join the Brazilian at the 'Theatre of Dreams', with Manuel Ugarte expected to follow Casemiro through the exit door this summer.
United need more quality and depth to support Kobbie Mainoo, and their recent focus has been on completing a deal for Fernandes following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
The 21-year-old is in demand among top clubs in Europe following his displays for the Hammers and Southampton across the past two seasons, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool some of the clubs who have shown an interest in the Portugal international.
Fernandes appears to have his next move clear in his head though.
Romano: Fernandes 'Very Keen' to Join Man United
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
Romano previously confirmed that 'official' talks have begun between United and the player's representatives, including Jorge Mendes, over a summer switch, as they prepare to make a first offer for the 21-year-old.
It appears as though the Red Devils can rest easy on one part of the deal, with Fernandes said to be 'very keen' to make the move to Old Trafford, with separate reports stating that he is 'desperate' to link up with compatriot and United skipper Bruno Fernandes.
The main issue will be agreeing a fee with West Ham, who are in no mood to sell their prized asset even though they have just been relegated to England's second tier, with £100m their ideal price for him.
Issuing the latest on a move via his YouTube channel in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Romano said:
"Manchester United are in direct contact with the player's camp, and the player is very keen on a move to Manchester United. So, the discussions on player side are going well with the player and with his camp.
"Now it depends on the club-to-club. In this case, West Ham stopped at £85m valuation for Mateus Fernandes. Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is that they could close the deal around £85m, but not less than that.
"Manchester United's initial discussion with those taking care of the deal is under £85m. Man United want to spend less than this. So, there is a conversation, there is a negotiation."
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Man United Consider £120m Double Transfer Raid
Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)via Reuters
Fernandes isn't the only West Ham player that United are considering making a move for this summer, with confirmed interest in winger Crysencio Summerville too.
The Netherlands international enjoyed a positive campaign at the London Stadium and then announced himself on the world scene with an impressive goal in his nation's 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening 2026 World Cup group game.
The Telegraph claim that the Red Devils are considering making a £120m double move for the Irons duo, as they look to bolster two key positions on their summer wishlist.