Manchester United\u2019s chances of signing Mateus Fernandes this summer have gained new momentum after an insider dropped a major double update on the prospect of a transfer, while TEAMtalk sources can also confirm West Ham\u2019s stance on his sale.<\/p>\n
It is no secret that Manchester United<\/a> want to strengthen their midfield this summer. With Casemiro having departed and with Manuel Ugarte up for sale, the Red Devils hope to sign two, and potentially three, new players for their engine room to equip Michael Carrick with a squad capable of going deep in the Champions League and maintaining what they hope will be a Premier League title push.<\/p>\n Deal number one has already been squared off, with Atalanta star Ederson, now World Cup-bound with Brazil after a late call-up, agreeing to sign for a fee worth around \u20ac45m (\u00a339m, $52m)<\/a>. The move will officially go through when the Italian transfer window opens on July 1.<\/p>\n Now, the club are fast working on their second addition, and TEAMtalk has long since reported their desire to bring West Ham star Fernandes<\/a> to Old Trafford, with our transfer correspondent, Fraser Fletcher, first revealing contact with his agents back on May 14.<\/p>\n Now, those hopes of bringing the 21-year-old to Old Trafford have started to gather serious momentum and, after we revealed the Hammers are ready to sanction his sale, United insider Sully, who writes for UtdDistrict, has backed up our previous claims that the player wants the move and they believe a deal is there to be done for some distance less than the current \u00a380m fee West Ham are demanding.<\/p>\n Speaking during their latest Roundtable discussion<\/a>, Sully said: \u201cIt is completely normal for other clubs to be linked to a player of his quality, and given how talented he is, I understand why a lot of the fanbase has been panicking due to the links in the past few days.<\/p>\n \u201cJorge Mendes is a very smart businessman who will want the absolute best for himself and his client.<\/p>\n \u201cThe reports from West Ham regarding widespread interest in Fernandes are exaggerated. West Ham will try to generate as much money as possible for him. Clubs like Napoli and Aston Villa like Fernandes, of course, but there is nothing that suggests they are serious contenders for his signature.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom people close to his camp, he personally prefers a move to Manchester United, but they wouldn\u2019t want it to come out publicly as it would put Mendes in a weak negotiating position.\u201d<\/p>\n DON\u2019T MISS: Man Utd primed for \u00a3100m double West Ham raid with relegation to trigger nine-player Hammers firesale<\/a><\/p>\n West Ham ready to let Mateus Fernandes depart after relegation<\/p>\n TEAMtalk sources confirmed last week that the Hammers are open to letting Fernandes move on<\/a> and have cleared a summer exit following chats with his representatives.<\/p>\n Now, it is a case of securing the best move possible for their client, though as the BBC\u2019s Simon Stone reported, there is an \u2018instant stand-off\u2019<\/a> over the fee West Ham are demanding and the one that United expect to pay.<\/p>\n Indeed, the east London side\u2019s relegation from the Premier League appears to have weakened their negotiating powers, and Sully added: \u201cThe reports of West Ham demanding \u00a380m are true, but United wouldn\u2019t pay that.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will be one to keep an eye on, but it\u2019s important not to fall into believing a lot of the fake reports that are jumping the gun.<\/p>\n \u201cHe is someone that Carrick admires and so does nearly every department at the club. This is the current state of play. A lot of cards are being played at the moment from all sides. For now, let the games begin.\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u200b\u201d<\/p>\n Sources can also reveal that PSG are admirers of the West Ham man, and while the player would be keen on a move to join the two-time reigning European champions, they are not his first choice.<\/p>\n Indeed, one thing that we understand is in United\u2019s favour is a belief that Fernandes himself favours a move to Old Trafford,\u00a0having made clear his admiration for one player in particular<\/a>.<\/p>\n United, though, do look as though they have missed out on their top midfield target in Elliot Anderson after sources revealed last week that Man City are ready to lodge a second, improved bid<\/a>\u00a0after their initial offer fell short, though it will take a record fee to get a deal done.<\/p>\n