Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes as they look to beat Tottenham to a deal for the West Ham midfielder, who is valued at £80m by the relegated club.
Carrick's midfield rebuild
Michael Carrick instructed his bosses at Old Trafford to sign at least two new midfielders this summer following Casemiro’s departure. Ederson, the Brazil international, is set to become Carrick’s first signing after United agreed a £35m deal with Serie A side Atalanta. United have since turned their attentions to West Ham’s Portuguese star Fernandes, who is keen to leave east London following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.
Interest from rivals
The 21-year-old impressed last season but was unable to prevent West Ham from dropping down, with their fate confirmed on the final day as Tottenham survived. United are not alone in showing interest, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Tottenham and La Liga giants Real Madrid all linked. Arsenal have withdrawn from the race and turned to other targets, while Real Madrid are also looking elsewhere as they believe Fernandes is heading to Old Trafford. However, Tottenham remain in contact with both Fernandes and West Ham over a summer deal.
Personal terms agreed
United are still believed to be leading the race, with talkSPORT reporting that Fernandes has agreed personal terms over a move to the Red Devils. The Manchester United hierarchy still need to reach an agreement with West Ham, though, with Fernandes valued at at least £80m by London Stadium chiefs.
West Ham's stance
Earlier this month West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky insisted the club were under no pressure to sell players for ‘financial reasons’ despite their Premier League relegation. ‘We have a very credible strategy,’ Kretinsky, who is set to become West Ham’s largest shareholder and also owns the Daily Mail, told The Times. ‘We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal. Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal.’
Owen's backing
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Michael Owen backed Manchester United’s pursuit of Fernandes. ‘I thought he was brilliant last season,’ said Owen, the face of Casino.org in the UK. ‘I watched him a lot I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable. West Ham have gone into the Championship and he’s not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he’s very gettable and I think he’s very good. I personally would be making him my first choice.’
