Manchester United’s hunt for Casemiro’s successor could be edging towards a conclusion if the latest reports are to be believed.
Initially, it seemed as though fellow Brazilian Ederson had been earmarked as the five-time Champions League winner’s replacement.
Those updates were premature, with INEOS considering the Atalanta ace as a backup to a more elite operator.
Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali and Carlos Baleba remain at the top of the pile, but the Nottingham Forest ace’s price tag and his preference for Manchester City have made a potential move difficult.
Why Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a genuine option
The Newcastle superstar would welcome the chance to switch to Old Trafford, but whether INEOS can muster the funds required remains to be seen.
And question marks remain over the Cameroonian owing to his inconsistent form this season, coupled with Brighton’s asking price.
This is why the Red Devils have earmarked West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes as the primary option in case a move for the aforementioned trio fails to materialise.
According to The Daily Mail, United officials recently met with the Hammers over a summer move for the Portuguese ace.
United hold secret meeting with West Ham
Bruno Fernandes is a fan of his compatriot and has been pushing the 20-time English league champions to sign him.
And with the former Southampton ace missing out on a place in Portugal‘s World Cup squad, the chances of agreeing an early deal have been made easier.
“Confidential understands United have had more recent discussions with West Ham about the availability of midfielder Mateus Fernandes as we creep closer to the opening of the transfer window.
“While United are by no means the only suitor in for Fernandes – Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are keen – there is an understanding that relegation will put increased pressure on the Hammers to make sales to satisfy financial rules.
Summer move has been made easier due to World Cup snub
“Sources have indicated that West Ham will likely need to recoup £100 million, with Fernandes arguably their most valuable asset.
“United are understood to be working to a budget of around £150m, as recently revealed in this column, to overhaul their midfield engine room and Fernandes is a primary target outside of the top tier picks of Elliot Anderson, Aurelien Tchouameni and Carlos Baleba.
“The fact Fernandes has been left out of Portugal’s World Cup squad makes any potential move easier, too.”
Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing Mateus Fernandes, whose ability to play across the midfield makes him an attractive prospect.
West Ham’s hopes of earning a bumper amount from his sale could dissolve if they get relegated. All eyes will be on what happens next Sunday.
Feature image Julian Finney via Getty Images
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