Manchester United have been handed a huge boost as the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes hots up.
Man United are planning to sign as many as three new central midfielders this summer after deciding that was the area of the pitch that needed the most surgery ahead of their return to the Champions League next season.
They are right too, with the exit of Casemiro and the expected departure of Manuel Ugarte leaving Michael Carrick very short of quality and depth in the Red Devils' engine room.
The club has already reached an agreement with Atalanta to bring Ederson to Old Trafford to plug one gap, but up to two more players could join if Ugarte goes and the deal conditions are right.
United's top targets earlier in the summer were Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid, who they viewed as their 'dream' Casemiro successor, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Red Devils chiefs have since pivoted to Fernandes, sensing a strong market opportunity following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
Some negotiation will be needed though, with the Irons ready to demand big money for the Portugal international even if they find themselves in the second tier now.
Fernandes Has 'Heart Set' on United After Tottenham Approach
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
GIVEMESPORT sources revealed at the start of the week that Tottenham had made contact over a potential move for Fernandes, and it was information backed up by David Ornstein later in the week, as he claimed that Roberto De Zerbi wanted to sign both the Portuguese star and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali for his midfield.
A report on Saturday claims that Spurs are now 'very close' to an agreement on personal terms to sign Fernandes, although they are yet to make club-to-club contact with their London neighbours over a deal.
One top Tottenham source on X claims that even though the north Londoners are making their move for the promising 21-year-old, he has his 'heart set' on a move to Old Trafford.
That is no surprise either given that United captain Bruno Fernandes is one of his idols, and he would have the opportunity to link up closely with him if he joined the Red Devils.
The fee could prove to be an issue for both clubs though, with Romano reporting that West Ham ideally wanted £100m for the player, although a deal worth around £80-85m would likely be accepted.
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Man United Have Fernandes Alternatives Lined Up
MixCollage-15-Oct-2024-07-50-AM-1074via Reuters
According to GMS senior correspondent Ben Jacobs, United do have alternatives to Fernandes lined up if they are unable to agree a deal for the 21-year-old.
One of those is Fulham and Norway star Sander Berge, who they have discussed signing in recent weeks.
Another name is Carlos Baleba of Brighton and Hove Albion, who they attempted to sign last summer.
Jacobs says a move for the Cameroon international still 'has legs', and it has been confirmed by Romano that there is already an agreement on personal terms in place dating back to last summer's talks.