Manchester United officials have flown to London to hold high-level discussions with West Ham over a potential transfer deal for Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Old Trafford hierarchy made the journey to the capital today, with the move representing a significant escalation in the club’s pursuit of the 21-year-old.
Both clubs are reportedly keen to resolve the deal early in the summer transfer window, with the face-to-face meeting focused on finalising structural payment terms.
Should those negotiations prove successful, Manchester United are expected to submit an official opening bid for Fernandes within the next 48 hours.
West Ham find themselves in a difficult negotiating position following their recent relegation to the Championship, creating pressure to balance their finances in the second tier.
Despite signing Fernandes from Southampton last year in a deal exceeding £40 million, the Hammers are unwilling to let their prized asset leave on the cheap.
Internal discussions at West Ham suggest the club values Fernandes at between £70 million and £80 million, leaving a sizeable gap for United to negotiate down from.
Manchester United are not alone in their pursuit, with Liverpool also strongly linked and their incoming manager Andoni Iraola reportedly wanting Fernandes as his first signing at the club.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the young Portuguese midfielder, adding further competition to what is shaping up as a busy summer chase.
This pursuit of Fernandes comes after Manchester United already completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta in a £38 million deal.
The 26-year-old Ederson has signed a four-year contract at Old Trafford, making him the first major signing of the Michael Carrick era at the club.
With Casemiro departing and Manuel Ugarte also heavily linked with a move away, United are looking to completely rebuild their midfield this summer.
The recruitment team’s trip to London makes clear that landing Ederson was only the beginning of what promises to be an ambitious and busy transfer window for the club.
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