Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is an admirer of Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has revealed.
The Portuguese tactician is reportedly a big fan of his 21-year-old compatriot, who enjoyed a promising debut Premier League season and is now being heavily linked with a move away from St Mary’s.
West Ham have recently opened talks with Southampton over a deal for Fernandes, but saw their initial proposal of up to £30m rejected.
The Saints value the Portuguese starlet at around £50m to £60m according to David Ornstein, similar to fellow midfielder Romeo Lavia, who left St Mary’s for Chelsea in the summer of 2023 in a £58m deal.
Fernandes impressed during his debut season on the south coast, making 36 Premier League appearances and accumulating more minutes than any other U21 player in the division.
Ruben Amorim 'Admires' Mateus Fernandes
Mateus Fernandes
Man United have spent heavily on three new forwards – Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko – and are now believed to be on the lookout for a new central midfielder.
The Red Devils have earmarked Brighton starlet Carlos Baleba as their priority target, but a deal for the 21-year-old remains difficult amid the south coast club’s reluctance to sell.
According to GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Fabrizio Romano, Brighton could be demanding around £120m, but Man United are still waiting to understand the exact cost of the deal.
Baleba is believed to be keen on a move to Old Trafford even without European football this season, and Man United are willing to try to convince Brighton to sell.
Fernandes made a substitute appearance in Southampton’s 2-1 win over Wrexham on Saturday, which saw Will Still win his first Championship match in the St Mary’s dugout.
The 'exceptional' 21-year-old midfielder was a bright spark in the Saints’ dismal Premier League campaign last term and was named the club’s Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of Virgil van Dijk, James Ward-Prowse and Adam Lallana.
Fernandes, who joined Southampton for £15m from Sporting Lisbon last summer, is under contract until June 2029.
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