Manchester United have made a fresh approach for Mateus Fernandes and are ready to improve their contract offer to beat Tottenham in the race for the West Ham United star. Fernandes, 21, is expected to leave West Ham this summer following their relegation from the Premier League, with the Hammers demanding a fee of £80 million for their prized asset.
Interest from multiple clubs
Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also explored a move, but United have emerged as front runners. Tottenham entered the fray in recent weeks and were reported to have reached a verbal agreement to sign the Portuguese midfielder with a huge salary offer. However, respected United journalist Andy Mitten reported that while Fernandes is willing to join Spurs, his preference is still a move to Old Trafford.
United's response
In response to Tottenham trying to blow them out of the water with a big offer, United have made fresh contact with Fernandes’ representatives. Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reports the Red Devils have signalled their intention to improve their contractual offer with hope of convincing him to sign. Their next move will be to open direct talks with West Ham. United, however, are reluctant to meet West Ham’s £80m valuation of Fernandes, who was signed from Southampton for £38m plus £4m in add-ons a year ago.
Midfield reinforcements needed
United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer, having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta. They had planned on bringing in a third in the event of Manuel Ugarte leaving the club after two underwhelming seasons in Manchester since joining from Paris Saint-Germain. But the Uruguay international could now face a lengthy layoff after suffering a knee injury in the defeat to Spain on Friday night. The situation may heighten United’s need to sign a third midfielder this summer, with Kobbie Mainoo their only recognised centre-half following Casemiro’s departure.
