Manchester United have reportedly made a significant move to beat Tottenham to the signing of Mateus Fernandes. The Portugal star, currently representing his nation at the 2026 World Cup, is set to leave West Ham this summer following the club's relegation to the Championship.
West Ham demand more than £38m for Fernandes
The Hammers accept they cannot keep the 21-year-old and are said to be demanding more than double the £38 million they paid Southampton for him 12 months ago. In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign.
Man Utd have made Fernandes a key summer target as manager Michael Carrick looks to revamp his midfield options. Ederson is set to arrive from Atalanta, and United want to partner him in midfield with Fernandes.
Tottenham remain firmly in the race
Tottenham are also firmly in the race for the West Ham star's signature. Arsenal were said to also be monitoring the Portuguese midfielder, but interest is not expected to advance. Spurs were said to have in recent days moved ahead of Man Utd in the race, as they are prepared to offer the player higher wages and offer West Ham more money.
The north London side are embarking on a huge summer rebuild and want to partner Fernandes with Sandro Tonali in midfield. But the balance of the transfer saga reportedly changed on Saturday morning.
United push ahead with improved offer
According to Italian football journalist Matteo Moretto, Man Utd have stepped up their effort to sign Fernandes. There have been fresh talks with the player, with United signalling that they are willing to improve their contract offer in a bid to convince him to sign. Talks with West Ham will then follow.
Spurs are said to remain firmly in the race, with The Times reporting on Friday that they are confident of agreeing personal terms with both Fernandes and Tonali. But Man Utd are pushing hard to move ahead of Spurs and land the Portugal star. United had made Tonali a key summer target, but it is Spurs who are said to be the frontrunners to sign one of the Premier League's most impressive midfielders.
