Southampton are set to reject West Ham’s opening offer for Mateus Fernandes without even considering it, journalist Alfie House has revealed.
The Hammers are chasing the 21-year-old starlet amid Graham Potter’s ongoing summer rebuild at the London Stadium but are unlikely to succeed with their initial bid, the value of which remains undisclosed.
House claims Southampton consider both the total fee and payment terms unsatisfactory and are under no pressure to sell, as Fernandes is under contract for a further four years.
The 21-year-old midfielder joined the Saints for £15m from Sporting Lisbon last year and the south coast club are seeking a hefty profit in the event of a deal this summer.
Fernandes made a substitute appearance in Saturday's 2-1 win over Wrexham, which saw Will Still win his first Championship match in the St Mary’s dugout.
West Ham Make Bid for Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes
According to House, Southampton are not even likely to consider West Ham’s first offer for Fernandes, whom they value in excess of £30m:
Fernandes was a bright spark in Southampton’s dismal Premier League campaign last term – he made 36 top-flight appearances, more than any other Saints player, and registered six goal contributions, scoring two goals and providing four assists.
He was named Southampton's Player of the Year as a result and has faced significant interest from clubs all over England and Europe since, as GIVEMESPORT journalist Sam Cohen previously revealed.
West Ham’s summer business has picked up pace in recent days, with deals confirmed for goalkeeper Mads Hermansen and striker Callum Wilson.
The Hammers have previously welcomed full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf, while Mohammed Kudus left to join Tottenham.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Ben Jacobs, West Ham could see further movement before the deadline and are among the clubs considering a move for another Championship star.
Potter’s side are also believed to have Leicester starlet Bilal El Khannouss on their radar and are aware of his availability in the market, with a £22.5m relegation release clause active.
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