Manchester United remain interested in signing West Ham star Matheus Fernandes, and the Red Devils appear to have snatched a march on their Premier League rivals when it comes to midfielders.
Matheus Fernandes’ price tag is around £80m (Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United are in a prime position to beat off competition from Arsenal to sign Matheus Fernandes.
The Red Devils have named the West Ham star as their preferred signing, with Michael Carrick looking to expand his midfield options for next season. And with the Hammers falling to the Championship, there was confidence that a deal would be done. That optimism appears to have grown in recent days.
The Times says United are “increasingly confident” of signing Fernandes for up to £80 million, despite interest from other countries. Arsenal had their eye on him, but West Ham were reluctant to sign him.
Londoners are being forced to sell to comply with profit and sustainability rules, although it remains to be seen whether they will have to cash out by the end of this month.
The transfer fee will be a significant profit for West Ham, who signed the Portuguese international from Southampton last summer for £38 million. Fernandes scored five goals and provided four assists in what is likely his only season with the club.
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If United get over the line and reach an agreement, Fernandes’ arrival would be the first step in a significant midfield rebuild at Old Trafford. Casemiro has already left the club, but Manuel Ugarte is expected to be shown the door.
Brazilian midfielder Ederson is also expected to be signed after United terminated his contract with current team Atalanta. Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson was also a target, but Manchester City remain in pole position to sign the England star despite recent doubts.
City have already had two bids rejected for Anderson and could exit before they become embroiled in a bidding war. Meanwhile, United have been urged to reconsider their position by former manager Renee Meulensteen.
He said: “United need to sign at least two, if not three, midfielders this transfer window. It’s a position they really, really need to strengthen, especially with so many more competitions coming up.”
Arsenal also showed interest in Matheus Fernandes (Image: Getty Images)
“Now, it could be Ederson or Anderson. They have similar quality, but Anderson comes with such a huge price tag that I really doubt if they can realistically sign him. So Anderson may be out of reach for United this summer.”
“Anderson has clearly had a great season and is attracting interest from the big clubs in the league, so his price is only going to go up and up. And it’s a question of who is willing to pay that price and who can pay that price. I don’t think Man United will pay that for Anderson. I think they have the money, but it would be a big deal to spend that much money on one player.”
“I always like good technical footballers in midfield. I’ve liked Adam Wharton at United for a while because he’s very good on the ball and very calm under pressure. He can pick out anyone in the front five with one decisive pass and tear apart the opposition in one go. I like that.”
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