West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is on Manchester United’s radar this summer as they look to bolster their midfielder but their hopes of signing him have been dealt a blow
Manchester United’s plans for a third midfield signing this summer have been dealt a blow after Manuel Ugarte’s serious injury on Saturday. The 25-year-old was stretchered off during Uruguay’s 1-0 defeat to Spain, which ended the South American nation’s hopes of reaching the World Cup knockout stages.
Ugarte’s injury was inadvertently caused by his own team-mate as he and Mathias Olivera both challenged for possession late in the first-half. Olivera reached the ball first and, in the aftermath, fell onto the United player’s extended leg.
It comes amid the Reds’ search for midfield reinforcements with Casemiro to leave as a free agent this summer. West Ham star Mateus Fernandes is one player United are keen to sign, although Tottenham Hotspur are said to be prepared to offer more money.
It is understood that talks have accelerated in the final week of June, given the Hammer’s financial situation, and there are suggestions that Spurs are willing to meet West Ham’s £80million demands.
However, Spanish publication Marca claim on Saturday that there has been fresh contact from Old Trafford with the Reds said to be willing to improve their contract offer for the Portuguese player. They add that United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham.
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The significance of Manchester City’s £116m move for England and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson underlines just how inflated the midfielder market has become. Top-quality midfielders are at a premium, and clubs fortunate enough to possess such players will hold firm for the highest possible fee.
United were priced out of a move for former Newcastle star Anderson and may yet face a similar scenario with Fernandes if they do not stump up more cash.
The Reds have planned to sign three midfielders during the summer transfer window; however, that was contingent on United finding a buyer for Ugarte.
FIFA’s Club Protection Programme will cover Ugarte’s salary if he is out for at least 28 consecutive days. The scheme pays the salary of an injured player up to a maximum of €7.5m (£6.6m) until they are declared fit to return for their club.
But that will not solve the issue of selling Ugarte with a serious injury, meaning he would likely stay at United until at least the January transfer window.
The Reds are at least close to signing one new midfielder, having already agreed a deal with Atalanta for Ederson. The Brazilian will join after a £35m initial fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, was finalised between both clubs.
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