Manchester United’s midfield rebuild could suddenly become far easier after a major change involving one of their key transfer targets.
The club are preparing significant changes in central midfield ahead of Michael Carrick’s first full season as permanent manager.
Casemiro’s departure already forced United into the market for at least two new midfielders this summer. Several elite names continue appearing on the club’s shortlist.
However, rising valuations across Europe already complicated multiple deals behind the scenes.
Nottingham Forest’s huge asking price for Elliot Anderson reportedly left Manchester United hesitant about entering a bidding war.
Now though, another highly-rated Premier League midfielder may suddenly become more attainable.
West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes emerged as one of the most admired young midfielders in England despite the club’s disastrous campaign.
The Portuguese international impressed consistently throughout the season even while West Ham struggled near the bottom of the table.
Manchester United, Arsenal, and Paris Saint-Germain are all reportedly monitoring the 21-year-old closely ahead of the summer window.
Initially, West Ham reportedly demanded around £80 million for Fernandes after signing him from Southampton just one year ago.
However, according to reports from the Daily Mail, West Ham’s relegation to the Championship may now significantly weaken their negotiating position.
The London club could eventually become more open to lowering demands because of growing financial pressure following relegation.
That development reportedly handed Manchester United a huge boost in their pursuit.
Fernandes featured in almost every Premier League match during the closing months of the season and remained one of the few bright spots inside West Ham’s struggling squad.
Meanwhile, Atalanta midfielder Ederson appears increasingly close to Old Trafford after recent negotiations between both clubs.
Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton, Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni also remain admired internally.
Still, Fernandes’ combination of age, technical quality and Premier League experience reportedly makes him one of the most attractive long-term options available this summer.
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