Manchester United are preparing to step up their interest in Mateus Fernandes as the club continues plans for a major midfield rebuild ahead of the summer transfer window.
United are expected to make contact soon regarding the West Ham United midfielder following the London club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the key names under consideration as United aim to strengthen the centre of the pitch with multiple additions this summer. Club officials are believed to want at least three new midfielders as they reshape the squad.
Sources indicate United value Fernandes at around £50 million and are currently assessing whether a deal can be completed within that range. The club remain cautious about overspending and are determined to focus on players they believe offer strong long-term value.
West Ham, however, are expected to encourage interest from rival clubs in an attempt to increase Fernandes’ market value. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also been linked with the midfielder.
United’s interest in Fernandes comes as negotiations continue for Ederson of Atalanta. Reports suggest an agreement below £35 million could be possible, with United viewing that type of deal as the financial model they want to follow throughout the window.
The club’s cautious approach may affect any pursuit of Carlos Baleba, despite admiration for the Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder. Brighton’s reported £100 million valuation is currently viewed as too high.
United are therefore exploring alternatives, with Alex Scott of AFC Bournemouth, Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United and Aurélien Tchouaméni of Real Madrid also admired internally.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues around Marcus Rashford and his future at Old Trafford. United may delay plans to sign a left sided attacker until clarity emerges over the forward’s situation.
Rashford is still hopeful of securing a permanent move to Barcelona, although finances remain a major factor in whether a deal can be completed. Interest from FC Barcelona has not disappeared, but negotiations are expected to depend heavily on the club’s budget.
Because of that uncertainty, United could shift focus toward strengthening at left back early in the transfer window, with Lewis Hall currently viewed as a leading option for the position.
