Mateus Fernandes is of transfer interest to Manchester United though West Ham are keen for him to stay for the 2026/27 season
West Ham want Manchester United transfer target Mateus Fernandes to stay for one more year as they aim to be promoted back to the Premier League at the first attempt. The 21-year-old is one of many midfield targets for Michael Carrick’s side as they prepare for Champions League football and life without Casemiro.
The latter’s departure has made it a priority for United to strengthen in midfield this summer. With top target Elliot Anderson deemed too expensive and more likely to join Manchester City, focus has switched elsewhere.
Atalanta star Ederson looks set to arrive at Old Trafford this month for roughly £38million while links to Fernandes, who could cost over double that, have ramped up recently. The Hammers do not look set to let him leave without a fight, however.
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According to The Athletic, West Ham are desperate to keep him at the London Stadium for at least one more year in the hopes of sealing an immediate return to the Premier League. The report adds that they want at least £80m to sell and have not yet received any approaches.
Alongside recruiting in midfield, signing a new left-winger is a possibility with United interested in Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye. Crysencio Summerville, who has been linked to Liverpool and Aston Villa, could become another option with West Ham expected to sell.
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The east London club have, however, at least secured the future of one key staff member with Nuno Espirito Santo set to stay on as head coach next season.
One potential Fernandes boost for United is that he departed Southampton after Premier League relegation 12 months ago which certainly suggests he has not intention of playing in the Championship.
His omission from Portugal’s World Cup squad is another positive as United would be able to wrap up a deal early into the summer window.
If his price tag is deemed too high, Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid and Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali are just a few alternatives, but the trio are also likely to cost a similar amount.
Tonali’s club team-mate Lewis Hall is also of interest to those Old Trafford but the Magpies’ need to raise funds through player sales has decreased following Anthony Gordon’s £69m switch to Barcelona.
El Hadji Malick Diouf, who spent the last nine months with Fernandes, is also a potential option at full-back with Patrick Dorgu now deemed a winger.
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