Manchester United are reportedly leading the pursuit for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, despite recent contact from Real Madrid regarding the Portugal international. Fernandes, who is also a target for Paris St-Germain, has garnered significant attention from top European clubs.
West Ham is seeking approximately £80m for Fernandes. However, Manchester United is reportedly not prepared to meet this asking price. The London club’s financial situation, following their relegation from the Premier League, may exert pressure to lower their valuation. West Ham recorded a loss of £104.2m last year and aims to generate more than £100m from transfer sales this summer.
Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton for £38m last summer and is considered one of their most valuable assets. While Manchester United is seen as the most probable destination for Fernandes if he remains with an English club, sources suggest a potential push from Real Madrid, who recently reappointed José Mourinho as manager. Manchester United is reportedly cautious about the possibility of losing Fernandes to their former coach.
Midfield Reinforcements and Other Transfer Interests
Manchester United’s interest in Fernandes stems from their objective to strengthen their midfield, particularly after Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer. The club has already secured Éderson from Atalanta. While United had also shown interest in Elliot Anderson, Manchester City is likely to outbid them for the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder, making Fernandes a more viable option within United’s financial parameters. Arsenal, another club reportedly interested in Fernandes, is thought to consider West Ham’s asking price too high.
Beyond Fernandes, other transfer activities are unfolding across European football. Bayern Munich is reportedly set to acquire Morocco forward Ismael Saibari from PSV Eindhoven in a transfer valued at over £45m. Real Madrid has also inquired about Felix Nmecha’s status at Borussia Dortmund, with his former club Manchester City and their rivals Manchester United also reportedly in contention for the Germany midfielder.
Newcastle United is expected to advance discussions this week for Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, a Spain winger. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s option to sign Marcus Rashford for 30m euros (£35m) is set to expire without the club making the England forward’s loan move from Manchester United permanent.
Departures and New Signings
West Ham anticipates losing several key players following their relegation to the Championship. There is considerable interest in players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, with the latter potentially attracting even greater demand if he performs well for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Taty Castellanos, an Argentinian striker, is also an option for Everton.
In other transfer news, Leeds United is reportedly preparing a move for Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. This potential acquisition could see Diomande replace Wales defender Joe Rodon. Additionally, Ipswich and Hull City have expressed interest in England goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Newcastle reportedly willing to sell him for £5m.
Watford winger Nestory Irankunda, who is representing Australia at the World Cup, is also drawing attention, with West Ham among several English clubs monitoring his performance. The transfer market remains active as clubs look to finalise their squads, with Newcastle United expected to step up talks for Victor Munoz this week.
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Source: bbc.co.uk
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