Manchester United are keen on West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, but will face competition from other Premier League sides
Mateus Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandes wants a move to Old Trafford(Image: West Ham United FC/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
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Mateus Fernandes is desperate for a Manchester United move, but West Ham are asking for £80million - meaning Michael Carrick needs to utilise all his options for the deal to happen.
The West Ham midfielder is a hot commodity this summer, with Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also interested. The Hammers are not keen on selling Fernandes, but may have little choice if they are to comply with Financial Fair Play rules.
West Ham's relegation to the Championship adds further pressure on the 21-year-old to make a decision, as he may opt to make a return to the Premier League or head elsewhere in Europe. This isn't Fernandes' first rodeo, however, as he left Southampton last year when they dropped out of the top-flight.
The midfielder signed for West Ham in the summer of 2025 for a fee of £38m and has impressed over the most recent campaign. Now, he could be on the move again this summer, and United are reportedly his ideal destination.
The club are confident they can agree on personal terms, and Fernandes is desperate for a taste of Champions League football. There is only one thing standing between the Portugal international and his dream - how much he will cost.
Mateus Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandes could force the move if he is desperate(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
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The Hammers are keen to spark a war of the wallets among clubs interested in Fernandes, with his initial price set at a whopping £80m. With Premier League champions Arsenal and Champions League winners PSG also keen on a move for the midfielder, United could be at odds with some big hitters.
United are expected to make an opening bid later this week, but not for the price West Ham are asking. They see Fernandes as a player with huge potential but not much proven experience.
Carrick is keen to add ready-made stars to his squad as the club prepares for a return to Europe next season. A third-placed finish in the Premier League last season has handed the manager plenty of plaudits, and he will be looking to continue this success next campaign.
Michael Carrick.
Michael Carrick is keen to sign players who slot right into the team(Image: Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
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Dropping a huge chunk on Fernandes is not within their plans, but the added bonus is his desire to move to Old Trafford. United could utilise this passion for the club to their advantage if they want to strike a better deal with West Ham.
Just take a look at the Newcastle-Liverpool saga with Alexander Isak last summer. The player wanted the move, the club didn't want to sell, but ultimately, the deal got done.
The Hammers may look at the conundrum that the Magpies went through and decide it is best to avoid any team unrest, as they prepare for an immediate Premier League return. Southampton would also benefit greatly from a sale, as they retained a 15 per cent sell-on clause with his transfer to the London Stadium last year.