Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes after glowing reports from the club's recruitment team, according to fresh reports. The Red Devils are eyeing a midfield rebuild this summer, and the Portuguese playmaker has emerged as a top target.
Despite enduring back-to-back relegations, Fernandes has seen his reputation as one of the Premier League's brightest midfield prospects grow week by week. The 21-year-old joined West Ham from Southampton last summer for £42 million, following a dismal season at St Mary's where the Saints finished bottom of the table.
Fernandes was a rare shining light in an otherwise underwhelming campaign on the south coast, prompting the Hammers to splash the cash. Now, in an unfortunate twist of fate, the former Sporting CP star faces the same predicament with his new club. West Ham are locked in a tense relegation battle with local rivals Tottenham Hotspur, sitting 18th in the table—just one point behind Spurs. A daunting trip to St James' Park to face Newcastle this weekend looms large, and momentum for survival appears to be swinging toward north London.
Should Nuno Espirito Santo's side drop to the Championship, it was widely believed they would demand a massive fee to let Fernandes leave the London Stadium—potentially as high as £84 million, double their initial investment. That would have posed a serious challenge for United, who are targeting up to three midfielders this summer and need to balance their budget.
However, Attacking Football correspondent Paddy Keogh has dismissed that £84 million valuation as "not accurate." Instead, he claims the price will "be closer to £60 million" if West Ham fail to survive. Keogh also notes there is no relegation clause in Fernandes' contract, despite widespread reports suggesting otherwise.
United have already held talks with Fernandes' camp to gauge his interest, and the player is reportedly very open to a move to Manchester. Captain and compatriot Bruno Fernandes has even recommended his namesake to the club's hierarchy, adding fuel to the transfer speculation.