As previously reported by [C&H,](https://www.claretandhugh.info/fernandes-huge-30-million-price-tag-hammers-wait-on-plan-b/) multiple outlets now confirm that Southampton have turned down a £30m bid from West Ham for Mateus Fernandes. The offer would have represented a 100% return on the fee the Saints paid for the Portuguese midfielder just last summer.
If Southampton are indeed holding out for closer to £50m, that valuation could significantly narrow the pool of potential suitors. West Ham have declined to comment on the specifics of their bid, yet it is believed to have included performance-based add-ons rather than the full £30m upfront.
Unwilling to enter a bidding war—especially with other clubs circling—West Ham are understood to be shifting their attention to alternative midfield options.
The Hammers previously withdrew from negotiations for Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott after the Premier League champions set a £50m asking price for the England U-21 international.
One player now under consideration is Lille’s [Ngal’ayel Mukau](https://www.claretandhugh.info/report-west-hams-interest-in-raphael-onyedika-big-development/). C&H can confirm that the 20-year-old midfielder is on West Ham’s radar and would be available for around €20m. Mukau impressed in a recent friendly against West Ham, showcasing his ability to drive from deep and score in a penalty shootout.
On the outgoing front, keeping everything crossed- _there has been an initial approach from a Saudi club regarding Guido Rodriguez_. With only a year left on his contract, West Ham are keen to move him on to free up space and wages.
With three weeks left in the window, West Ham are expected to bring in a new midfielder before the deadline—though whether that will be Fernandes remains uncertain. **There are, indeed, other options-news of one of them shortly!**