After head coach Will Still applauded Mateus Fernandes this week for putting that West Ham United speculation to one side, Southampton CEO Phil Parsons broke his own silence a few days later.
If the Portugal Under-21 international was feeling the effects of incessant rumours about his future, then he certainly didn’t show it.
Some 24 hours after West Ham loanee Kaelan Casey helped Swansea see off Crawley Town, Southampton edged past another third-tier outfit while securing their place in the second-round of the Carabao Cup.
Mateus Fernandes can become the ‘ultimate Premier League midfielder’ if he maintains his current rate of progress, according to ex-Saints skipper Jo Tessem. The goal which broke Northampton’s resistance at Sixfields was certainly befitting of the top-flight.
Starting the move and finishing the move, Fernandes checked inside and rifled a left-footed finish into the roof of the net.
Understandably, new coach Will Still is desperate to keep Fernandes on the South Coast.
Southampton rejected a £30 million bid from West Ham United earlier in the week. And the hard-line stance set out by Southampton’s chief executive will be further music with which to serenade Still’s ears.
Mateus Fernandes during Southampton Pre-Season Friendly
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Southampton CEO Phil Parsons sends West Ham United a Mateus Fernandes warning
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Fernandes is valued in the region of £50 million.
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Parsons would not confirm or deny such reports, though he did indicate there is truth to the suggestion that West Ham’s opening offer fell well short of Southampton’s asking price.
“We’re not a club that’s going to roll over and just accept a bid because [his suitors] feel like they want him on the cheap,” a bullish Parsons explains. “If you want a player, bid for them and bid well.
“I’m not sure if I can answer yes or no,” the CEO added when quizzed on whether Fernandes would still be at St Mary’s by the start of September. “I’d personally like to say yes. I think we’re very clear with players, agents, and clubs.
“Mateus started 35 games in the Premier League last year, he’s got outstanding credentials and he’s a great lad. We’d love to keep him. That’s where we are.
“We’re not desperate to get rid of Fernandes. We think he is an important player. Everybody has a price, but it’s not cheap, I promise.”
Saints boss says Fernandes move is not ‘close’ for the Hammers
While West Ham remain hopeful of adding Fernandes to their ranks – Graham Potter is determined to land a dynamic, ball-carrying central midfielder – Everton saw a £27 million bid for young winger Tyler Dibling rejected at the end of July, per The Guardian.
Hammers News can confirm that Dibling has admirers at West Ham too.
But as Graham Potter confirms that Crysencio Summerville should return from a long-standing hamstring injury sooner rather than later, the attention at the London Stadium has shifted towards Dibling’s Saints teammate.
Parsons, though, is keen to point out that there is barely even a glint of light at the end of the tunnel as things stand.
“At the moment, neither [Tyler] Dibling or Fernandes are close to going out the door,” Parsons adds, speaking at a fans’ forum on Thursday.
“There is a lot of work to do for other clubs if they want to do that. I’m not desperate to pick up the phone for offers on those players.”
Mateus Fernandes was excellent for Southampton during April’s 1-1 draw in East London; The driving force behind so many of the visitors’ most threatening attacks.
Hammers News have been informed, meanwhile, that West Ham could turn to Aleix Garcia of Bayer Leverkusen if Southampton do not soften their stance.