Mateus Fernandes is expected to depart West Ham in the summer transfer window with Manchester United told to avoid signing the midfielder
Manchester United have been advised against signing Mateus Fernandes
Manchester United have been advised against signing Mateus Fernandes (Image: (Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images))
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Teddy Sheringham has urged his former club Manchester United to steer clear of signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting personal terms have already been agreed between the two parties.
Tottenham are also competing for his signature and will be hoping United heed Sheringham's warning, with the former England striker calling on the Red Devils to withdraw their interest after being left underwhelmed by his performances at the London Stadium.
He told ComeOn: "I wasn't so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham last season. A lot of West Ham fans think he'll go on to bigger and better things but the jury's still out for me on Fernandes. Manchester United need top players. They've already got enough decent players.
"They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again. It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them.
"Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn't have let that happen. Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you'll end up in the same situation.
"It's not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead."
United are widely expected to bolster their midfield ranks this summer following Casemiro's exit, with Manuel Ugarte also available for transfer.
Atalanta's Ederson is set to officially complete his £38million switch to Michael Carrick's squad after the World Cup, with Fernandes amongst a host of midfield targets that also include Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni.
Alex Scott and Adam Wharton of England
Alex Scott and Adam Wharton are other Manchester United transfer targets
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West Ham are demanding somewhere in the region of £85million for their relegated midfielder. According to The Times, Spurs are prepared to go beyond United's offer, which has given them confidence of securing his signature.
The potential sale of Lucas Bergvall is believed to have strengthened their position in the transfer battle, with the young midfielder having requested to leave the club this summer.
Roberto De Zerbi's side are also pursuing Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali, a development that could offer those at Old Trafford renewed optimism in their pursuit of Fernandes.
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