Bruno Fernandes reportedly wants Manchester United to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes as his long-term replacement.
The Old Trafford side are heading for another busy summer transfer window and have identified midfield as their priority area for reinforcement.
While holding midfielders is the priority focus, amid Casemiro’s upcoming free transfer exit, United could also consider an addition further up the field amid uncertainty over Fernandes’ future.
The Portuguese international will enter the final year of his contract in June, with United holding an option to extend it by a further season.
Bruno Wants Man Utd to Sign Mateus Fernandes
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
According to The Sun, Manchester United are considering West Ham’s Fernandes as a smart secondary signing, and could soon receive encouragement to pursue the deal from his Portuguese compatriot.
With Casemiro’s departure confirmed, United are believed to be looking for two new midfielders this summer, with the shortlist including Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.
Fernandes has impressed in central midfield for West Ham this season, registering three goals and three assists in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Despite only joining from Southampton before the campaign, West Ham could struggle to keep hold of the 21-year-old amid the threat of Premier League relegation.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are 18th in the standings with seven games remaining, one point off safety.
Relegation could force West Ham to sell a host of first-team stars, including Fernandes, who was their most expensive signing last summer.
The ‘elite’ 21-year-old joined in a deal potentially worth £42m, penning a contract until the summer of 2030.
Joshua Zirkzee Holds Exit Talks
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United while playing Wolverhampton Wanderers
Manchester United are heading for a squad clear-out this summer, with Joshua Zirkzee among those whose futures remain uncertain amid limited opportunities under interim boss Michael Carrick.
The Dutch international has only managed 546 minutes across all competitions this season, making four starts and 16 appearances off the bench, and is believed to be seeking a fresh start given his Old Trafford struggles.
According to reports in Italy, Napoli have already held ‘significant talks’ over a potential move for Zirkzee as they look to bring in a replacement for ex-United striker Romelu Lukaku.
United are believed to be valuing Zirkzee at around £35m this summer. A fee in this region would allow the club to almost recoup the £36.5m they spent on Zirkzee in the summer of 2024.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe after losing to West Ham United. Related
Newcastle Eyeing Move to Sign ‘Unbelievable’ Man Utd Star, He Wants to Leave
Newcastle United are among a host of clubs closely monitoring the 24-year-old midfielder.