TBR Football understands that West Ham have re-engaged talks with Southampton over a deal for Mateus Fernandes.
Graham Potter is desperate to bolster his midfield ranks, and the Portuguese midfielder is regarded as the prime target by the Hammers boss and his recruitment chief, Kyle Macauley.
West Ham have already seen a £30 million offer rejected, but they are now putting together a new offer that is expected to be closer to Southampton’s asking price, which is believed to be £40 million.
Sources informed TBR Football that the Irons are considering a move for Aleix Garcia of Bayer Leverkusen, but there is an understanding that Fernandes is keen to make the move to the London Stadium.
Aleix Garcia in pre-season for Bayer Leverkusen.
Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
The Hammers are making the move as they hope to offload a number of players in the coming days, including Edson Alvarez, who is in talks with Fenerbahce and Porto, and Guido Rodriguez.
Exclusive: Mateus Fernandes wants to sign for West Ham
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed that Potter is pushing hard to close the deal to bring Fernandes to East London, and West Ham are now close to striking an agreement with Southampton.
Bailey states: “I am told that West Ham are making a new push for Fernandes, they know what Southampton are asking and they now think a deal is close.
“Potter really wants the player and is pushing hard.”
The Hammers had become increasingly frustrated in their pursuit of the 21-year-old, particularly after the Saints demanded £50 million to sanction a departure this summer.
Ipswich Town v Southampton - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
As reported by TBR Football in June, West Ham need to sell players before the 1 September deadline to free up funds for further additions, and work is actively underway behind the scenes to offload several unwanted stars.
Tomas Soucek is among those being touted out to potential suitors in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window – Potter is eager to add to the budget for potential star-studded additions, with only four first-team arrivals thus far.
Bailey also informed TBR Football that the Irons would sell Lucas Paqueta in the event of a lucrative proposal being tabled from Saudi Arabia. However, as things stand, the Brazilian is likely to play his football at the London Stadium this season, despite emerging interest from the Premier League and around Europe.
West Ham are trying to recruit a new midfielder
Fernandes and Garcia are among many names on the shortlist at West Ham, as a new midfield talisman is on the agenda for Potter.
The Irons targeted Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, but a move for the 22-year-old was deemed too expensive, and now he looks destined to leave Anfield for RB Leipzig.
Mohammed Kudus’ departure to Tottenham represented a significant blow to West Ham, and although his sale provided a much-needed cash influx, they have yet to replace the Ghanaian international.
Lille and ex-Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes was reportedly also among the considerations, but those reports have since been quashed.