Mateus Fernandes could depart Saints in the summer but he retains a high value within the club (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
Mateus Fernandes could depart Saints in the summer but he retains a high value within the club (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
SAINTS star Mateus Fernandes is valued significantly higher than claimed in new reports surrounding the Portuguese's immediate future.
Fernandes, 20, has been a standout performer this season, winning the Saints fans' Player of the Year and Daily Echo Player of the Year.
Saints signed the Sporting CP midfielder for £15million last summer and his value has skyrocketed over 35 Premier League appearances.
Top-flight clubs are looking to sign Fernandes this summer following Southampton's dismal season and relegation to the Championship.
Reports elsewhere have named Nottingham Forest, Crystal Palace and newly-promoted Leeds United all as potential suitors for Fernandes.
Mateus Fernandes with the Daily Echo Player of the Year award (Image: Southampton FC/Matt Watson)
Two new reports on Friday morning placed a £25million and £30m price tag on the youngster, who Saints could sell in the transfer market.
However, the Daily Echo understands Southampton's true valuation of youth international Fernandes is much higher than reported.
A potential £30m price tag was laughed off on Friday, with another quick-witted source quipping: "His hair is worth £30m."
In April, a report elsewhere claimed Tyler Dibling was valued at £100m by Saints, although his true valuation at the club is closer to half of that.
But Fernandes, only one year older than the Staplewood graduate, has already shown his ability to perform consistently in the top flight.
Senior figures at the club have long wanted to keep Fernandes to help win promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League.
However, there will be an acceptance that all players have a price, as Saints look to balance the books following losses of TV revenue.