Manchester United may be forced to reassess their transfer strategy, with top target Mateus Fernandes edging closer to a move elsewhere. With Atalanta's Ederson poised to arrive after the World Cup, the Red Devils are eager to bolster their midfield ranks further.
United's Transfer Targets Shift
After missing out on the signing of Elliot Anderson, who is poised to join Manchester City, attention within United's recruitment department has shifted towards Fernandes. Back-to-back relegations with Southampton and then West Ham have done little to dampen the Red Devils' enthusiasm. At just 21, the Portuguese midfielder has already proven that he has the quality to thrive in the Premier League, with five goals and five assists last season highlighting his considerable promise.
The ideal profile for United combines youth with top-flight experience, and Fernandes fits the bill on both counts. However, reports have suggested that Tottenham have edged ahead of United in the race to sign him, with an agreement on personal terms said to be 'very close'.
Fernandes Pursuit May Falter
United have, of course, felt similarly optimistic about transfers in recent years only to be left disappointed. The club are wise enough not to rely on one target, and alternatives are understood to be under consideration should the Fernandes pursuit prove fruitless. One such option is reported to be Felix Nmecha.
The former City academy prospect has enjoyed an impressive campaign at Borussia Dortmund, scoring five goals and providing three assists. Nmecha also announced himself on the international stage this month, registering a goal and an assist in Germany's demolition of Curacao. He will be aiming to catch the eye once more as Germany face Ivory Coast in Toronto over the weekend. United, City and Real Madrid are all believed to be monitoring the midfielder's progress.
Nmecha's Price Tag Slashed
Bild recently claimed that a £104m offer would be required to prise Nmecha away from Dortmund. However, TEAMtalk say that his valuation has been cut in half to £52m, with a transfer now considered 'very realistic'. Given United's revised transfer strategy, they would be reluctant to spend £104m on any overseas acquisition. But should £52m prove acceptable, that figure will certainly appeal to the Reds.
