Fabrizio Romano has delivered a huge update on Manchester United's pursuit of West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The Red Devils have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta to commence their midfield rebuild, but are still looking to add to the Brazilian in the coming months.
Ederson-Atalanta
As such, a number of names have entered their radar. Elliot Anderson looked the most prominent target for some time, only for Manchester City to swoop in ahead of Man United.
Whether those at Old Trafford would have been willing to reach Nottingham Forest's asking price which reportedly stands at around £120m, is also questionable. After all, that would make Anderson their most expensive signing of all time.
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That hefty asking price has opened the door for some alternative options. It's forced the Red Devils to turn their focus towards the likes of Felix Nmecha, who is enjoying an excellent World Cup with Germany, as well as another big-money option in England.
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Romano confirms star is ready to join Man Utd
Anderson isn't the only familiar face on the radar of Old Trafford chiefs. Fernandes is another, and there's now been a key update on the Red Devils' pursuit.
According to Romano, Fernandes will agree to Man United's personal terms if they are the first club to reach an agreement with West Ham, who are demanding upwards of £85m.
west-ham-mateus-fernandes
"The feeling is who is going to bring the best proposal to West Ham - they start at £85m to get probably more, because they believe day by day more clubs are joining the race.
"The club arriving with the best proposal to West Ham will also be able to close the deal with the player."
Whilst £85m is a hefty fee for a Championship club to demand, West Ham are well aware of Man United's midfield rebuild and Fernandes would certainly solve Michael Carrick's problem in that department.
PL P90 25/26 Fernandes Mainoo
Minutes 3,024 1,653
Passes 40.65 50.85
Tackles 3.07 1.96
Recoveries 5.42 5.17
Chances created 1.1 1.2
As a duo, Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo would provide an impressive foundation next season. They're both expert passers without the sacrifice of defensive work. Given that both are still just 21 years old, too, Man United could have their midfield problems solved for the next decade by signing Fernandes.
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