AdminManchester United have stepped up their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with discussions underway following the club’s agreement to sign Atalanta star Ederson, according to reports from The Athletic.
Ederson is expected to complete a move to Old Trafford on a five-year contract, with the transfer set to be finalised in early July once the Italian transfer window officially opens.
However, United’s summer rebuild in midfield is far from complete. With Casemiro’s departure already confirmed and Manuel Ugarte also expected to leave, INEOS are pressing ahead with plans to bring in further reinforcements ahead of the new campaign.
The club are believed to be targeting as many as three central midfielders and are weighing up their next move as they search for a long-term successor to Casemiro.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson remains a player admired by United, but his valuation and preference for a move to Manchester City have complicated any potential deal.
That has placed Mateus Fernandes firmly on the radar. The 21-year-old enjoyed an impressive season despite West Ham’s relegation to the Championship and had already attracted interest from several leading European clubs before the Hammers dropped out of the Premier League.
The Athletic reports that United have held talks with both West Ham and the player’s representatives. Fernandes has been described as a “superstar” by one scout, while reports suggest West Ham value him at more than £80 million.
The midfielder is also said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, where he could line up alongside fellow Portuguese-speaking star Bruno Fernandes.
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