West Ham midfielder MatÃas Fernandes’ pursuit of a summer move to Manchester United continues, but Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in the Portuguese star.
Manchester United are facing stiff competition from Tottenham Hotspur for West Ham star MatÃas Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder is understood to be set for a move to Old Trafford this summer.
But a free report indicates that the Hammers insist on a significant proportion of any agreed price up front. It is also claimed that Spurs have offered a superior package overall.
Fernandes is said to have a higher wage offer than United, and the 21-year-old is keen on the move. It is therefore clear that the Reds will need to offer Fernandes a higher wage, more money in front of West Ham, and a bigger overall financial package to the Hammers, as well.
West Ham have slapped an £85m price tag on Fernandes, but that would be the starting point for talks with a club that needs to raise the cash to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Manchester City’s £120m plus bid for Elliott Anderson shows the market for the midfielder is huge. Top midfielders are in high demand, and clubs will reap the most cash in possession of these players.
Anderson was seen as a dream signing at Old Trafford, so it is no surprise that United are also considering Fernandes. The Portuguese star may have more upside than the England international, as he is two years younger, so he should continue to improve.
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also been linked with Fernandes, so United may need to act quickly if they are to secure his signature.
Mateus Fernandes is a key transfer target for Manchester United. (Photo: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
And his former coach Vasco Cebra has spoken about him. Radio Renasenka: Why Fernandes is so sought after by Europe’s biggest clubs
He said, “He’s got a huge range of abilities. I mean he’s got technical quality and he’s a kid with a great heart and mentality.
“We expected, and I especially expected, that he would reach the top teams rapidly, but it would be wrong to say that I hoped that after two years, he could be in Real Madrid’s plans. He was really young when he came through us.”
Cebra backs Fernandes to succeed in the Premier League. He added: “I expected him to reach the Premier League level in a very short period of time. He really had a mindset and a daily commitment, both in training and in matches, that made me believe he could reach a very high level.”
Midfield is a priority position that United are looking to strengthen and the Reds have already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. The Brazilian will join after an initial fee of £35m between the two clubs plus £3.8m in add-ons.
