Manchester United are said to be remaining calm over one of their primary transfer targets this summer. The Red Devils have a sizeable transfer to-do list this summer as they look to build on the momentum established by Michael Carrick and his men last season.
After impressing at the helm, Carrick's permanent appointment will be followed with firm financial backing this summer, and Ederson's £37million arrival from Atalanta was only the start of that.
United are expected to add a handful of players to their squad this summer and the primary target is another midfielder, which should come as no surprise following the departure of Casemiro this summer.
Fernandes to Man Utd latest
West Ham United Midfielder Mateus Fernandes in Premier League Actionvia Reuters
There has been plenty of noise surrounding the future of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is certain to leave the East London club following their relegation to the Championship. The Portugal international was viewed as one of the brightest young talents in the Premier League last season, and he is now in for a big move.
The latest claims suggest Tottenham are making a £75million move for the midfielder after they saw a bid of the same value for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United. But according to The Sun, there is no panic at Old Trafford.
They say there is doubt over how genuine Tottenham's interest is, while interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Arsenal has long cooled amid an expectation Fernandes will join United. It's also added that those around Fernandes in his home country also see an Old Trafford transfer as likely. That will be music to the ears of the Red Devils fans amid talk of that rival bid from Spurs.
Fernandes a plug-and-pay option for a United midfield in need
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
United need to replace Casemiro this summer, and while Ederson's addition will help, they need a player with Premier League experience that they can plug in and play straight away. Fernandes is that option. While still young, the 'elite' midfielder thrived against some of the top teams last season, breaking up play and also driving forward with the ball.
Carrick's double pivot means the Red Devils do not necessarily need an exclusively holding midfield of Casemiro's mold, and Fernandes is able to do that defensive dirty work as part of his game.
But a deal is likely to have to wait for now, with chaos playing out at West Ham following their relegation, leading to a complete change of leadership at the top.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks on after Premier League win against Nottingham Forest Related
He's Agreed To Join: Man Utd Close In On £65m Signing
Manchester United could tie up their second midfield deal soon