Manchester United Continue Strong Pursuit of Mateus Fernandes as Transfer Battle Intensifies
Manchester United remain determined to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes despite growing competition and the Hammers’ firm stance over the player’s valuation.
The Portuguese youngster continues to be one of the Red Devils’ priority transfer targets as the club looks to strengthen its midfield before the start of the new season.
Earlier in the transfer window, Manchester United believed they could secure Fernandes for a relatively reasonable fee.
Club officials reportedly felt West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League might force them into accepting a lower offer in order to balance their finances. However, the situation has changed considerably over the past few weeks.
Tottenham Hotspur’s willingness to invest heavily in the midfielder has strengthened West Ham’s negotiating position.
Instead of lowering their demands, the London club have remained firm, insisting they will only consider offers close to their reported £85 million valuation.
With neither Manchester United nor Tottenham eager to immediately meet that asking price, both clubs are now attempting a different strategy.
Rather than focusing solely on negotiations with West Ham, they are also trying to convince the player himself that their respective projects represent the best destination for his future.
Recent reports suggest that both Premier League clubs have already reached agreements with Fernandes regarding personal terms.
If accurate, the midfielder has been presented with highly attractive financial packages that would significantly increase his current earnings.
Before moving to West Ham, Fernandes reportedly earned around £20,000 per week during his time at Southampton.
Following his move to the Hammers, his salary increased to approximately £60,000 per week, with additional performance-related bonuses potentially taking his weekly income even higher.
Manchester United and Tottenham are now believed to have gone much further by offering contracts worth between £130,000 and £140,000 per week.
Such proposals represent a substantial financial improvement and are reportedly influencing the player as he considers his next career move.
Although Fernandes still has four years remaining on his current contract with West Ham, increasing speculation suggests he could leave the club before the transfer window closes if an agreement can eventually be reached.
Despite their strong interest, Manchester United remain cautious regarding West Ham’s valuation.
Club executives are reluctant to pay the full asking price, believing the transfer fee currently being demanded exceeds what they consider appropriate, even for one of the Premier League’s brightest young midfielders.
Fernandes enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, making 36 league appearances while averaging more than 80 minutes per match.
His consistent performances saw him contribute seven combined goals and assists, while also excelling defensively through regular interceptions, successful tackles, accurate passing, and intelligent positioning in midfield.
Those performances have convinced several top clubs that he possesses the qualities required to become one of Europe’s leading midfielders.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs recently explained that both Manchester United and Tottenham are hoping Fernandes eventually makes his preferred destination clear.
If the player openly indicates that he wants to join only one club, it could strengthen that club’s negotiating position and potentially encourage West Ham to soften their demands.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are also preparing alternative plans should negotiations fail.
The club has reportedly held discussions with representatives of Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, another player admired by the recruitment department.
United believe Scott could become a realistic alternative if West Ham continue refusing to lower their asking price for Fernandes.
Unlike the West Ham midfielder, Bournemouth may be willing to negotiate for a figure below £80 million, making Scott an attractive contingency option if the Fernandes deal proves too expensive.
Even so, Manchester United have not abandoned hope of completing their preferred transfer.
Club officials remain optimistic that their ambitious long-term project, combined with the opportunity to work under Michael Carrick and alongside fellow Portuguese international Bruno Fernandes, could persuade Mateus Fernandes that Old Trafford is the ideal next step in his career.
With the transfer window progressing rapidly, both Manchester United and the player face an important period.
The coming weeks are expected to determine whether United can successfully negotiate a compromise with West Ham or whether they will be forced to turn their attention toward alternative midfield targets before the new season begins.
