Man Utd Push Hard for Fernandes as Personal Terms Agreed with West Ham Midfielder

Manchester United are ramping up their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, with fresh reports suggesting they have already locked down personal terms with the Portuguese talent.

The Red Devils' transfer ambitions have already seen them secure Atalanta's Ederson as their opening signing, but they're far from finished in the midfield market. United are eyeing two or three additional midfielders before the window closes, while simultaneously hunting for a left-back and left-winger to bolster Erik ten Hag's squad.

Fernandes, who has caught the eye despite West Ham's Championship relegation, appears to be next on the Old Trafford shopping list. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United maintain "direct contact" with the player's representatives, with the Portugal international reportedly keen on the move.

"The discussions on the player side are going well, both with the player and his camp," Romano explained on his YouTube channel. "Now it depends on the club-to-club discussions with West Ham."

The stumbling block remains the fee. West Ham are holding firm at £80million-plus, having initially sought £100m, though most expect the gap to narrow around the £85m mark. United's opening gambit sits considerably lower—sources suggest they're hoping to wrap things up for £65m plus add-ons.

"Man Utd want to spend less than this," Romano noted of the £85m valuation, highlighting the gap between what the Hammers want and what the Red Devils are offering.

Tottenham have also registered their interest in Fernandes, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add the West Ham midfielder to his squad. However, United are attempting to move swiftly, banking on the pull of Champions League football to get the deal done.

According to Football Insider, United's hierarchy are keen to avoid a protracted bidding war, hoping their superior resources and European competition can prove decisive in landing the 21-year-old's signature before the summer window shuts.