Manchester United look set to miss out on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but they do have alternative options lined up.
The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on bringing in new midfielders in the summer transfer window, but their pursuit of Fernandes appears to be coming to an end.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Tottenham have now beaten Manchester United in the race for Fernandes, paying a fee of around £85m with no add-ons.
It’s back to the drawing board for the Red Devils, who stood firm in the fact that they didn’t want to overpay for the Portuguese midfielder.
It’s undoubtedly a smart signing for Spurs, and United now need to explore alternative targets.
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Man Utd Exploring Fernandes Alternatives
via Reuters
With Manchester United set to miss out on Fernandes, they do have a list of alternatives to reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window.
According to a report from The Athletic, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another target for the Red Devils, with signing a midfielder their clear focus.
Reports have suggested that Wharton could cost in the region of £100m, more than what Spurs are expected to pay for Fernandes.
The English midfielder, described as a ‘superstar’, has flourished since making the move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, and it’s no surprise that Palace are looking to receive £100m for him.
Missing out on Fernandes is a blow for United, but it is a positive that they already have a list of alternative targets.
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Manuel Ugarte Injury: Man Utd’s Transfer Plans
Midfielder Manuel Ugarte recently suffered what appeared to be a serious injury while at the World Cup with his country.
It was a crucial blow for the Red Devils, with United planning to offload him during the summer transfer window.
The Athletic’s Ornstein has confirmed that their midfielder recruitment plans remain unaffected after the injury. They will still be looking to sign at least two midfielders in the summer transfer window, and they have a list of targets they could aim for.
Wharton is among those who United are looking at, but it remains to be seen who they pursue after missing out on Fernandes.