United Step Up Pursuit of Fernandes as Tonali Interest Intensifies

Manchester United have wasted little time in pursuing their second summer signing, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that the club has made direct contact with the representatives of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes within the last 48 hours.

The Red Devils have already locked down their opening acquisition of the window. A deal worth €45m with Atalanta for Ederson is complete, with the Brazilian set to put pen to paper later this summer following an agreement reached back in May.

Now United are turning their attention to West Ham's midfield. Romano confirmed that negotiations have begun regarding both the transfer fee and the player's salary package, with Fernandes widely expected to depart the Hammers following their Championship drop.

The asking price has been established at £85m, according to the transfer specialist, as West Ham look to recoup a significant fee for their departing talent.

Fernandes' exit from the capital appears a formality given the circumstances, but United face stiff competition in the summer market. Reports emerged earlier this week suggesting the Old Trafford club could stretch to €115m to prise Sandro Tonali away from Newcastle.

The Magpies, for their part, appear resigned to losing the Italian midfielder. While the northeast club haven't thrown in the towel, figures within St James' Park now "expect rather than fear" his departure, according to reports. Tonali's representatives have been actively shopping the 26-year-old around both the Premier League and Europe.

Newcastle have already identified potential replacements should their star man depart, though the £100m valuation they're placing on Tonali will test the resolve of any interested parties. The club's succession planning appears thorough, suggesting they're prepared for the possibility of another high-profile exit before the campaign kicks off.