By Oliver Harrington — 16 June 2026 — 4 min read

Manchester United are reportedly leading the pursuit of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, a 21-year-old Portugal midfielder. Despite strong interest from other major European clubs, United are considered frontrunners for his signature. However, a significant hurdle remains the asking price set by West Ham.

West Ham, recently relegated to the Championship, are seeking approximately £80m for Fernandes. This valuation is based on their belief that he is a top young talent with the potential to exceed £100m in value in the future. United, while prioritising Fernandes as a key summer signing, are not prepared to meet this figure directly.

The midfielder has reportedly expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford, driven by the prospect of playing Champions League football. United are confident that agreeing personal terms with Fernandes would not be an issue, given his keenness for the transfer. This situation allows United to adopt a patient approach in negotiations, hoping to secure a deal that aligns with their valuation.

Other prominent clubs are also monitoring Fernandes’s situation. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have shown interest, with Real Madrid having made contact regarding a potential move. Arsenal are also thought to be interested, though they reportedly consider West Ham’s asking price too high.

West Ham’s financial situation, including a reported loss of £104.2m last year and a need to generate over £100m in transfer sales this summer, could put pressure on them to lower their demands. Fernandes, who joined West Ham from Southampton for £38m last summer, is considered one of their most valuable assets.

United’s interest in bolstering their midfield comes after the departure of Casemiro and the signing of Éderson from Atalanta. While United had also been keen on England midfielder Elliot Anderson, they are likely to be outbid by Manchester City for the Nottingham Forest player, making Fernandes a more viable target within their price range.

Reports suggest United are expected to make an initial bid for Fernandes later this week, though it will not be for the £80m figure. The outcome of these negotiations will depend on whether both clubs can reach a compromise on the transfer fee.

In other transfer news, Bayern Munich are reportedly close to signing Morocco forward Ismael Saibari, 25, from PSV Eindhoven in a deal valued at over £45m. Real Madrid have also inquired about Felix Nmecha’s status at Borussia Dortmund, with his former club Manchester City and rivals Manchester United also reportedly interested in the 25-year-old Germany midfielder.

Newcastle United are set to intensify talks this week for Osasuna’s 22-year-old Spain winger Victor Munoz. Meanwhile, Barcelona’s option to make Marcus Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United permanent for 30m euros (£35m) is expected to expire without them exercising it, meaning the 28-year-old England forward is unlikely to make a permanent switch.

Leeds United are reportedly considering a move for Ivory Coast centre-back Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. This potential transfer could see the 22-year-old replace Wales defender Joe Rodon, 28. Additionally, Ipswich and Hull City are interested in England goalkeeper Nick Pope, with Newcastle reportedly willing to sell the 34-year-old for £5m.

West Ham are among several English clubs monitoring Watford winger Nestory Irankunda’s performance for Australia at the World Cup. The 20-year-old’s displays could influence future transfer interest.

Midfield Reinforcement Focus

Manchester United’s pursuit of Mateus Fernandes highlights their focus on strengthening the midfield. The club views Fernandes as a priority, especially after the departure of Casemiro. Their strategy involves patient negotiation, banking on the player’s desire to join United and the potential financial pressures on West Ham.

The interest from multiple top clubs, including Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, underscores Fernandes’s perceived talent. However, United’s confidence in agreeing personal terms could give them an advantage, provided a compromise on the transfer fee can be reached with West Ham.

The situation with Elliot Anderson, where Manchester City are expected to outbid United, further solidifies Fernandes’s position as a primary target for Michael Carrick’s squad. United are keen to avoid missing out on Fernandes, particularly with José Mourinho’s reappointment at Real Madrid potentially leading to a push from the Spanish giants.

Other Notable Transfer Interests

Beyond the Fernandes saga, several other transfer movements are being discussed. Bayern Munich’s impending acquisition of Ismael Saibari for a significant fee indicates activity in the European market. Similarly, the interest in Felix Nmecha from Real Madrid, Manchester City, and Manchester United suggests a competitive market for promising midfielders.

Newcastle United’s planned talks for Victor Munoz and Leeds United’s potential move for Ousmane Diomande show clubs are actively seeking to reinforce their squads across different positions. The potential departure of Nick Pope from Newcastle for £5m also presents an opportunity for clubs like Ipswich and Hull City to strengthen their goalkeeping options.

The expiring loan option for Marcus Rashford at Barcelona means the England forward is set to return to Manchester United. Meanwhile, West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville are also attracting interest, with Summerville’s value potentially increasing based on his performance for the Netherlands at the World Cup.

West Ham are expected to lose several key players following their relegation, including Mateus Fernandes, as they face financial pressures to raise funds through player sales.

Source: bbc.co.uk

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