West Ham United have responded to an approach from Manchester United for midfield ace Mateus Fernandes amid reports the Red Devils are set to make a bid.
Man United target Mateus Fernandes may be playing his last two games for West Ham regardless of whether they stay in the Premier League.
West Ham are fighting to avoid dropping into the Championship with games against Newcastle and Leeds remaining.
Meanwhile, Man United will be back in the Champions League next season after being revitalised by Hammers Academy graduate Michael Carrick.
West Ham tell Man United they will sell Fernandes but only at their price
West Ham’s struggles come against the backdrop of the club posting record £104m losses in their latest accounts two months ago.
The Hammers are set to file further big losses exceeding £80m in their next accounts.
How does Mateus Fernandes compare to a young Declan Rice? 🇵🇹
What can he still IMPROVE upon?
And West Ham also still owe a whopping £196m to other clubs, including Man United, in transfer instalments.
That could all count in Manchester United’s favour as they hone in on West Ham star Fernandes.
But the Red Devils will certainly have to pay for the privilege of signing the Portuguese.
West Ham’s board have made it clear players must be sold this summer, regardless of whether Nuno Espirito Santo keeps them up.
Given his age, quality, huge potential and brilliant performances, Fernandes is West Ham’s most valuable asset.
The 21-year-old all-action central midfielder is head and shoulders the club’s Hammer of the Year in his debut season.
Hammers want £84m for Fernandes as Man United ready bid
But it may be a short stay for Fernandes in east London, even if West Ham stay in the top flight.
Because the Old Trafford side are ready to make their move for the combative and talented star.
Sum up your feelings on that result if you can… 😢
Heartbroken is an understatement! 💔
And the Hammers have responded to a Man United approach for Fernandes as they ready a bid.
West Ham have told the Red Devils they are open to selling Fernandes – but only if they match their minimum £84m valuation, Hammers News understands.
That is more than double the £40m figure West Ham paid Southampton for Fernandes last summer.
Hammers News reported back in March that Man United had taken the first step to sign Fernandes from West Ham.
The Red Devils were in conversations with Fernandes’ entourage over a summer deal.
Hammers News understands that West Ham feel Fernandes, at 21, has just as much potential as Declan Rice and is better on the ball and going forward.
West Ham believe World Cup strengthens their hand over Fernandes sale
Therefore they believe the £84m asking price is a fair one as it is £21m less than Arsenal paid the Hammers for Rice.
Whether Man United are willing to pay that amount remains to be seen.
But the tabloids are reporting that Man United have contacted the Hammers informally and told them they are ready to make an opening bid when the season is over.
West Ham believe their hand is strengthened by the fact Fernandes has been groomed by Roberto Martinez to make a big impact in the Portugal squad at this summer’s World Cup.
Man United would be taking a gamble by trying to barter West Ham down in price if Fernandes then goes on to shine on the biggest stage of all.
Especially given reported interest from rivals including Real Madrid.
A leading senior source inside West Ham has told Hammers News that there is only a ‘slim chance’ Fernandes stays at the club if West Ham stay up.
But while the club’s financial situation is expected to force a sale, the Hammers will not allow Fernandes to leave for a figure below their asking price.
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