Liverpool Make Move to Gatecrash Fernandes Battle with United and Spurs

Liverpool are plotting their second summer hijack, this time targeting West Ham's Mateus Fernandes in a bid to strengthen their midfield ranks as they face competition from both Manchester United and Tottenham.

The Anfield club's summer has been eventful, with Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate departing on free transfers, while Mohamed Salah is expected to move on to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. The outgoings could extend further, with Curtis Jones, Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister all linked with exits.

The Reds have already shown their teeth in the transfer market this window, beating Newcastle to the punch for Victor Munoz from Osasuna. Now they're eyeing another coup.

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool made contact with West Ham two weeks ago to sound out the situation surrounding Fernandes, though no formal bid or official negotiations followed that initial enquiry. "I can guarantee that," Romano stated, noting that multiple clubs remain involved in the chase.

United have already agreed personal terms with the Portugal international, while Tottenham have recently entered the fray. The midfielder is expected to command a transfer fee in excess of £85m, making him a significant investment for any interested party.

Liverpool have yet to table an opening offer, but reports suggest the Reds are now looking to accelerate their plans to land a central midfielder possessing the energy and athleticism needed to rejuvenate their engine room—an area that struggled to fire under Arne Slot last season.

Fernandes enjoyed a productive 2025-26 campaign for West Ham, contributing three goals and four assists across 36 Premier League appearances.

Elsewhere on the transfer front, Liverpool have knocked back a second bid from Inter Milan for Jones, this time worth approximately £21m. The Reds are holding firm on their £35m valuation of the academy prospect, showing no signs of budging on their asking price.