UMVA can exclusively reveal that Manchester United has initiated negotiations to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, beating out Arsenal in the pursuit.
The 21-year-old Fernandes is expected to depart West Ham in the upcoming summer transfer window, as the club plans a £150 million fire sale following their relegation from the Premier League. Fernandes was signed from Southampton last summer in a deal worth £38m plus £4m in add-ons and impressed in his debut season with West Ham.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that several top clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, and Atletico Madrid, have shown interest in Fernandes. However, Fernandes has made Manchester United his top choice for the summer window, despite interest from rival Premier League sides.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Manchester United has held talks with West Ham over a potential fee and wages for Fernandes. West Ham is demanding an £80 million fee for Fernandes, who still has four years left on his contract.
In a related development, Manchester United has also held talks with Atalanta over a deal for their Brazilian midfielder Ederson. Reports in Italy claimed that United had agreed an initial €53 million (£45.8m) deal with Atalanta.
UMVA has learned that the transfer window is heating up, with several top clubs vying for top talent. Fernandes' impressive debut season with West Ham has made him a highly sought-after player, and Manchester United is keen to secure his services.
West Ham is resigned to losing Fernandes this summer and is looking to receive a significant fee for the midfielder. The club's relegation from the Premier League has led to a fire sale, and Fernandes is one of the top players expected to leave.
