Manchester United are ‘bidding hard’ to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes ahead of Real Madrid, according to Spanish outlet AS (page 22).
The Red Devils are poised to reinforce their midfield department with multiple signings. They have already secured a deal to land Atalanta ace Ederson.
Fernandes is the next target for the Mancunian giants, and talks are already underway with the Hammers to reach a suitable agreement for the Portuguese.
AS today report that Madrid manager Jose Mourinho sees Fernandes as the icing on the cake, but Los Blancos face a huge obstacle in the form of United this summer.
The Red Devils are ‘bidding hard’ for the Sporting CP graduate, and super-agent Jorge Mendes could be a key catalyst in bringing the 21-year-old to Old Trafford.
Mendes has represented Mourinho for the past two decades, but also has a ‘very good’ relationship with United, having recently brought in Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte.
Man Utd have an edge over Madrid in Fernandes pursuit
West Ham recruited the 21-year-old from Southampton for around £40 million last summer. He had a good individual season despite their relegation to the Championship.
The former Saints man made 10 goal contributions from 42 appearances. He won an impressive six duels per game, while registering three tackles and five recoveries on average.
He had a good passing accuracy of 87 percent, given that the Hammers were among the lower possession-based clubs. His distribution should improve at a more possession-based outfit.
United seem determined to bring him to Old Trafford, and the player has likewise clarified his stance. He is reportedly ‘giving his priority‘ to the club despite interest from elsewhere.
Madrid have made a late entry in the race with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez proving expensive, but United currently have the upper hand with the midfielder holding out to join them.
Tottenham have recently entered the pursuit too, but their disappointing league campaign (17th), combined with the lack of Champions League football, should not appeal to the player.
United still have no plans of meeting the reported price tag of £85 million. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to practically restructure the deal to include performance add-ons.
With current inflation in the transfer market amid the World Cup, we believe a package of around £60m upfront, with add-ons, would represent a good package to land Fernandes.
United believe they have time on their hands due to the player’s stance. The Red Devils should still seek to secure a suitable deal in time for Fernandes to report for the start of pre-season.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com