Manchester United’s summer rebuild is showing no signs of slowing down as preparations continue for another busy transfer window at Old Trafford.
A number of familiar faces are expected to depart before the new season gets underway. Jadon Sancho looks set to leave on a free transfer, while Casemiro is also edging closer to an exit despite calls from some supporters for him to remain at the club.
Marcus Rashford’s future remains unresolved too, with his proposed permanent move to Barcelona far from certain.
Replacing that experience and quality will be a major task for United’s recruitment team. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is still expected to arrive after the World Cup, but he may not be the only addition in the centre of the park.
Now, another highly-rated midfielder has emerged as a key target.
United ‘Confident’ of Landing Fernandes
According to Sky Sports News, Manchester United are preparing an opening offer for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The 21-year-old has risen rapidly up United’s shortlist and is now viewed as one of the club’s priority midfield targets ahead of the new campaign.
Fernandes, described as “very talented” by West Ham boss Nuno Espirito Santo, impressed throughout last season despite the Hammers’ relegation and is regarded internally as one of the brightest young midfielders in English football.
West Ham are understood to value the Portugal international at around £80 million and are under no immediate pressure to sell. However, United are unlikely to meet that asking price, meaning negotiations would be required if a deal is to progress.
The London club signed Fernandes from Southampton for an initial £38 million just last summer, and senior figures at West Ham reportedly believe he has the potential to reach the same level as former captain Declan Rice.
While West Ham would welcome keeping him for their promotion push, interest is continuing to grow. Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain have both been linked, but United are believed to be increasingly confident they can win the race for the highly-rated Portuguese midfielder.
