Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes as they look to beat Tottenham to a deal for the West Ham midfielder. The 21-year-old Portuguese star is keen to leave east London following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship.
United's midfield rebuild
Manager Michael Carrick instructed his bosses at Old Trafford to sign at least two new midfielders this summer following Casemiro's departure. Ederson, the Brazil international, is set to become Carrick's first signing after United agreed a £35m deal with Serie A side Atalanta.
United have since turned their attentions to Fernandes, who impressed last season but was unable to prevent West Ham from dropping down to the Championship. Their fate was confirmed on the final day as Tottenham survived.
Arsenal pull out, Tottenham remain
Arsenal have withdrawn from the transfer race and turned to other targets, while Real Madrid are also looking elsewhere as they believe Fernandes is heading to Old Trafford. However, Manchester United still face competition from Tottenham, with the north Londoners reportedly in contact with both Fernandes and West Ham over a summer deal.
Personal terms agreed
According to talkSPORT, Fernandes has agreed personal terms over a move to the Red Devils. However, the Manchester United hierarchy still need to reach an agreement with West Ham, with Fernandes valued at at least £80m by London Stadium chiefs.
West Ham's stance
Earlier this month, West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky insisted the club were under no pressure to sell players for 'financial reasons' despite their relegation. 'We have a very credible strategy,' Kretinsky told The Times. 'We don't need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal.'
'Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal,' Kretinsky added.
Owen backs Fernandes move
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Michael Owen backed Manchester United's pursuit of Fernandes. 'I thought he was brilliant last season,' said Owen. 'I watched him a lot I think he's a very good pick. He's reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you're going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don't want to be buying someone that's in their late 20s.'
'I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable. West Ham have gone into the Championship and he's not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he's very gettable and I think he's very good. I personally would be making him my first choice,' Owen concluded.
