- Man Utd set to sign Ederson
- Mateus Fernandes next on their to-do list
- West Ham star looks likely to join
Manchester United are looking increasingly likely to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes in the coming weeks. Reputable BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone has made a strong claim about the Reds’ pursuit of the Portuguese star.
Stone said (via BBC Sounds), “Mateus Fernandes, I would be surprised if that deal didn’t get done.” It’s the latest update on the 21-year-old who has been linked with United for several months.
Fernandes could follow Ederson to Old Trafford ahead of the Brazilian’s arrival from Atalanta. The club have agreed on a €45m (£38.9m) package with add-ons included to bring the 26-year-old to the Premier League.
Man Utd pursuing Mateus Fernandes
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ederson is set to sign a four-year deal with the option of a further year. He will become Michael Carrick’s first signing as United head coach.
Midfield is the focus for Carrick and the transfer chiefs this summer as they look to replace Casemiro. Ederson could be the first of many as three new midfielders are set to arrive at the club.
Fernandes is also on INEOS’ wishlist and it appears they are now pursuing a deal for the Portuguese player. He has only been at the London Stadium for a year but is expected to be sold following the Hammers’ relegation.
According to Italian journalist Gianluigi Longari, United are preparing an offer for Fernandes, which could come in the coming days. It is thought that he is valued at around £70-80m.
Fernandes was a bright spark in a season to forget for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side. He joined the Irons from Southampton last summer for £40m and made 42 appearances across competitions, scoring five goals and providing as many assists.
Getting business done early
United are moving quickly and potentially trying to ensure at least two new midfielders are in place before the World Cup. Carrick will have the opportunity to work with Ederson, as Ederson has been omitted from Brazil’s squad.
Ederson looks likely to arrive this week, and Fernandes might not be far behind. The only sticking point is his potential value, as the Reds are believed to be reluctant to meet West Ham’s asking price.
That said, there is a clear desire to bring the Portuguese midfielder to Old Trafford. There is the threat of other clubs eyeing him, including Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.
Fernandes seems to prioritise a move to United, which will only help the club in negotiations. If INEOS manage to pull off his signing before July, it allows them to then focus on other areas of the squad along with a potential marquee midfield acquisition.
