Manchester United have told West Ham to forget about holding them to ransom over Mateus Fernandes. United have made Fernandes the club's priority signing this summer, having pulled out of the race to land England midfielder Elliot Anderson.
The Portuguese international has let it be known he wants a move to Old Trafford, in the wake of West Ham's relegation to the Championship. The 21-year-old is desperate to secure Champions League football, while United are confident agreeing personal terms will not be a problem.
Stumbling Block Over Fee
But the stumbling block appears to be the fee West Ham want for Fernandes. The Hammers value Fernandes in the region of £80m and are keen to generate a bidding war for the midfielder, who is also a target of Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid. West Ham reckon Fernandes is the best young player in the Premier League, with the potential to be worth more than £100m in the not too distant future.
However, United are not prepared to meet the asking price. Senior figures at United have discussed the merits of adding Fernandes to Michael Carrick's squad. The feeling at Old Trafford is that, while Fernandes has huge potential, he has still to prove and establish himself at the highest level.
United's Strategy
United are expected to make an opening bid later this week, but it won't be £80m. It remains to be seen if both clubs will be able to reach a compromise on the fee. With Fernandes deciding his dream move would be to Old Trafford, United are refusing to panic and are prepared to bide their time in the hope of striking a deal which suits them.
United, meanwhile, have distanced themselves from reports claiming a £60m deal has been agreed with Newcastle to sign Lewis Hall. While United remain admirers of the England international, signing a left back is not the immediate priority.
