Manchester United target West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes in £80m bid

Manchester United are reported to be preparing an opening offer for West Ham United’s 21‑year‑old midfielder Mateus Fernandes, whom they list as their primary midfield target for the summer. United have already completed the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are looking to bolster the centre of the park after Casemiro’s departure. West Ham, relegated to the Championship, have set an asking price of around £80 million for Fernandes, a figure United consider high but are willing to negotiate. The club’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is leading the pursuit.

West Ham director Daniel Kretinsky has publicly stated that the club does not need to sell players for financial reasons and aims for immediate promotion back to the Premier League, signalling a reluctance to part with key assets. Nevertheless, the Hammers’ relegation weakens their bargaining position. Real Madrid, reportedly interested after Jose Mourinho’s return, are expected not to make a formal bid, and Arsenal’s interest has reportedly cooled. United’s financial preparations include a recent refinancing package extending debt to 2031, providing additional liquidity for potential transfers.