Manchester United’s admiration towards West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has become well known in recent months.
Fernandes was earmarked as a possible addition to Michael Carrick’s engine room, and the 21-year-old is reportedly a priority target for those inside Old Trafford.
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A major stumbling block in striking a deal is West Ham‘s unwillingness to sell their prized asset for less than £80 million, with no club likely to entertain that offer.
Sky Sports revealed on Friday that Man United are preparing a bid for the Portuguese sensation. However, details of that incoming bid were not disclosed.
So, assume that the Red Devils do agree to pay the Hammers’ asking price – even though it’s highly unlikely – Fernandes would become one of the club’s most expensive transfers.
Paul Pogba remains United’s record signing after joining for £89m in 2016, while second on that list is Antony with his £81.3m switch from Ajax in 2022.
A deal touching £80 million would put him joint-third with Harry Maguire, who famously became the most expensive British defender of all time following his move from Leicester City in 2019.
Fourth on the list, meanwhile, is Jadon Sancho, and he set the club back a whopping £72.3m with his transfer from Borussia Dortmund in 2021.
Fernandes could easily make the top five if United are willing to trigger his asking price, or even pay slightly lower for the midfield metronome this summer.
