West ham Transfer Update
Sky Sports News are reporting that West Ham have seen their opening bid for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes rejected.
The offer is believed to have been worth £30 million plus add-ons, with the Saints said to be holding out for closer to £50 million for the 21-year-old midfielder.
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The news is thought to have been leaked by Southampton, with the Hammers remaining tight-lipped about the offer. However, a senior source told Claret & Hugh yesterday that “negotiations are tough.”
Sky also claim that Southampton do not wish to sell Fernandes, but that statement should likely be taken as a negotiating tactic. The Portugal U21 international was left out of the Saints’ starting line-up for their Championship opener against Wrexham, and the club are well aware they face a battle to keep hold of their star man.
West Ham’s Fernandes bid has been rejected by Southampton
West Ham will probably have to agree a compromise figure of around £40 million to tempt Southampton into doing business, with Fernandes said to be keen to play at the highest level.
We can now expect a very public second round of haggling, with the Hammers feigning disinterest and Southampton insisting the former Sporting graduate remains central to their plans.
One thing is clear—Fernandes is Graham Potter’s top transfer target at this stage.