West Ham United could look to close a deal to sign Southampton star Mateus Fernandes in the remaining weeks of the transfer window, according to reports - with the Hammers needing some midfield recruits to avoid having another underwhelming campaign as they did in the Premier League throughout the entirety of last season.
The highest league position that the Irons held last season was a measly ninth on Gameweek Two, spending the rest of their campaign in the bottom half in a disappointing campaign under Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter. However, they could look to remedy that with a move for the 'exceptional' Fernandes, who looks destined to return to the top-flight.
Report: Mateus Fernandes Under Bid From West Ham, he's Their 'Top Target'
Mateus Fernandes
The report by The Guardian states that West Ham are preparing an 'opening' bid for the Saints star, with manager Potter keen on adding energy and creativity into his ranks, after failing to make a midfield signing so far in the summer transfer window.
It's mainly been the defence where the Hammers have strengthened their ranks, with permanent moves for El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters and Jean-Clair Todibo all being confirmed at some point during the window - whilst the arrival of Callum Wilson from Newcastle United has been confirmed in a boost to their attacking ranks alongside German star Niclas Fullkrug.
However, having lost Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham Hotspur earlier in the window, a new creative player is needed as a minimum, and Fernandes has been earmarked as the player to come in and become a London Stadium hero. The Irons are thought to be assessing a number of midfield stars, such as Aston Villa talent Jacob Ramsey and Lille's Ngal'ayel Mukau, but Fernandes has been identified as their top target ahead of a potential summer transfer window move.
Fernandes only moved to St. Mary's from Portuguese giants Sporting last summer for around £15million, becoming one of their best players in what was otherwise a dismal campaign on the south coast - and he is still expected to leave, despite coming on as a substitute in their 2-1 win over Wrexham in the Championship curtain-raiser.
A fee of £30million has been touted for the Portugal youth international by the Guardian, though Southampton are thought to want more than that according to different reports. However, West Ham are optimistic that a deal can be struck, having tracked the midfielder for over a year before deciding to go for other options last summer.
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