West Ham have made an improved offer for midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to Guardian journalist and Hammers fan Jacob Steinberg.
The update comes after Claret & Hugh revealed earlier this evening that the Southampton midfielder was one of three bids made by West Ham today.
The news from Steinberg—who has excellent club contacts—matches our earlier report, which hopefully means there is real substance to the story.
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Earlier today, a club source revealed that West Ham were looking for two midfielders but understandably would not disclose the identity of the targets. Following a conversation with a transfer insider, C&H were able to ascertain that one of them was the 21-year-old Fernandes.
Fernandes shows off his Southampton shirt
West Ham have made an improved offer for Fernandes
The Hammers had already seen a £30m offer for Fernandes rejected by the Saints, with club bosses initially claiming they would not bid any higher. Fortunately, it would seem that stance was either a load of old twaddle or simply negotiating tactics, because an improved offer has now been made.
West Ham are desperate for reinforcements and, with Edson Álvarez, Guido Rodríguez and Andy Irving all expected to leave in the next ten days, new midfielders will be essential.
As for Portugal U21 international Fernandes, it has always been the case that Southampton would do business at around £40m—if the deal is structured correctly.
Any signing is unlikely to make the team for Friday nights EPL game against Chelsea.