Manchester United find themselves in a state of panic amid their pursuit of priority midfield targets.
United headed into the summer with the intention of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, having identified the England star as Casemiro’s ideal replacement.
With Forest now demanding a British record transfer package and Manchester City reportedly willing to meet their demands, United have withdrawn from the race for Anderson.
Manchester United face competition from Tottenham for Mateus Fernandes
Earlier this month, The Athletic claimed Manchester United are refusing to enter a bidding war for Elliot Anderson and are instead focusing on signing West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.
Fernandes is thought to be “very keen” on moving to Old Trafford, and United’s recruitment team have already opened talks with his agent, Jorge Mendes, and West Ham to find an agreement over a transfer fee.
The Hammers remain firm on their £85 million valuation of the 21-year-old midfield dynamo.
One might think United are in a strong position to compel West Ham to lower their demands following the east London outfit’s relegation to the Championship. However, Tottenham Hotspur’s decision to enter the race may force the Red Devils’ hands.
Manchester United pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes
On Saturday morning, Fabrizio Romano reported that Tottenham called Fernandes’ agent to try and “enter the deal”.
However, on his YouTube channel, the Italian journalist underlined that United are “pushing in talks” with the super agent and West Ham to find a solution for the Portuguese midfielder.
Real Madrid have also considered Fernandes as a potential signing “but from England, the clubs are way more aggressive financially.”
The development suggests United remain keen to sign the West Ham star despite their initial reluctance to get involved in a bidding war for a player this summer.
Furthermore, Romano adds that Jason Wilcox and company also “keep asking” West Ham about their winger Crysencio Summerville, who interestingly, is also being chased by Spurs.
Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images
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