Manchester United are now huge favourites to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes despite interest from other clubs, according to a report.
After securing the first piece of the puzzle of their dramatic summer midfield rebuild in Ederson, Man United are now looking to add at least one more midfielder ahead of next season, when the return of Champions League football means a more congested fixture list than they had to deal with last season.
The Brazilian is set to complete his switch to Old Trafford after the 2026 World Cup having been given a late call-up by his nation, with Red Devils chiefs now focusing on what comes next.
With dream moves for Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni currently out of reach, they have turned their attention to trying to land West Ham star Fernandes.
The Portugal international was a rare shining light in the Irons' Premier League relegation campaign and, like 12 months ago, the player has no intention of playing in the Championship having also suffered the same fate with Southampton.
United have reportedly agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old, but agreeing a fee with the Londoners for the £85m-rated star is more difficult with other clubs also in contention to get him.
Man Utd Strong Favourites to Sign Mateus Fernandes
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Fernandes is keen on a move to Old Trafford to link up with his idol and Portuguese compatriot Bruno at the Theatre of Dreams, but other clubs are in the race too.
Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest in the West Ham 'superstar', while Tottenham Hotspur have also joined the race for his signature in recent days.
Spurs are said to be 'very close' to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes themselves, but a new update from a United source has reassured fans about the latest status of a move.
According to the update from Theatre of Red, Roberto De Zerbi's side are still a distant second in the race for Fernandes, and it will stay like that unless the Red Devils drop out of the race.
England World Cup Quiz
You scored
↩ Play again
Man United Offer Target Six-Year Contract
Michael Carrickvia Reuters
While it is their major priority, United's full focus isn't entirely on strengthening their midfield, as they look at other positions too.
GIVEMESPORT sources have maintained all summer that the club will look to bring in a left-sided attacker, with players like Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers admired, but a new name has come to the fore in recent weeks.
And it is one of Fernandes' West Ham teammates in Crysencio Summerville, who is another player currently exploding at the 2026 World Cup.
The winger has two goals in two games for the Netherlands at the tournament in North America, and it is suggested that he is available for around £50m this summer following the Irons' relegation to the Championship.
One reporter has claimed that United have already offered a six-year deal to the 24-year-old, as they look for a new attacking option.
Any move could be accelerated by an exit for Marcus Rashford, although the England international is currently unlikely to join Barcelona after they failed to take up their buy option.