United Circle Dortmund Midfielder as Fernandes Deal Stalls

Manchester United have their eye on Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as negotiations around their primary midfield target encounter complications. The Red Devils are weighing up the German club's star after David Ornstein's latest update suggested obstacles in their bid to land West Ham's Mateus Fernandes.

Having already wrapped up an agreement to bring Atalanta's Ederson to Old Trafford for £35m, United are hunting for at least one additional central midfielder this summer. The departure of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte's reported exit have left Michael Carrick's engine room in need of reinforcement.

The club's initial pursuit of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson collapsed when Manchester City launched a £120m swoop for the midfielder. That prompted United to pivot towards Fernandes, with Fabrizio Romano reporting direct contact between the club and the Hammers' representatives.

Romano outlined the situation during a YouTube appearance: "The contacts are going to continue in the next hours and days for Mateus Fernandes. Man Utd are there. Man Utd want to get the player, and are in direct contact with the player's camp. Fernandes is very keen on a move to Manchester United. The discussions on the player side are going well, both with the player and his camp."

West Ham are holding firm at £85m for their midfielder, having initially sought £100m. Romano added: "Now it depends on the club-to-club discussions with West Ham. They're starting at an £85m valuation for Fernandes. Man Utd's initial discussion with those taking care of this deal is under £85m. So Man Utd want to spend less than this."

The Fernandes pursuit faces fresh competition. Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid are interested, though Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez remains his preferred option. Ornstein revealed Tottenham have also entered the fray, with Roberto De Zerbi keen on adding the 21-year-old to his Spurs squad, alongside Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.

That prospect has prompted United to explore alternatives. Sky Germany now reports the Red Devils are "lurking" for Nmecha, the Dortmund midfielder who came through Manchester City's academy before moving to Wolfsburg in 2021. He joined Borussia Dortmund in 2023 for approximately £25.9m.

Despite signing a fresh contract extension in March, keeping him at the club until 2030, Nmecha remains on United's radar. The deal includes a release clause of €80m (£69m) for 2027, stepping down to €70m (£60m) in 2028. However, Dortmund are reportedly open to entertaining bids around the £60m mark this summer, a figure within United's reach should they pivot away from the Fernandes pursuit.