Manchester United Make Official Contact With Mateus Fernandes as Summer Midfield Hunt Intensifies

Manchester United have stepped up their interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes by establishing official contact with his representatives, signalling their intent to lodge a formal offer for the Portuguese playmaker this summer.

The development comes as the Red Devils abandon their pursuit of Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, unwilling to meet the East Midlands club's £130million asking price. INEOS, United's co-owners, have now redirected their attention towards alternative midfield reinforcements, with Fernandes rapidly ascending the priority list.

Fernandes' availability has been heightened by West Ham's relegation to the Championship, presenting an opportunity for the ambitious midfielder to seek top-flight football elsewhere. The 21-year-old Portugal international has become the focal point of United's recruitment efforts, though the competition for his signature is intensifying.

Transfer correspondent Tyrone Marshall reported on June 11 that United remain reluctant to engage in a bidding war for Anderson, preferring instead to pursue targets genuinely motivated to join the club. Fernandes now sits atop their midfield shopping list.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the momentum behind United's pursuit, revealing that conversations have commenced with Fernandes' agent regarding the structure of an impending bid. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano stated: "Manchester United are in official contact with the agent of the player. Manchester United already started the conversation with the agent to start preparing a bid to West Ham, so Man Utd are for sure in conversations with Mateus Fernandes."

The Italian journalist added that multiple clubs are circling, suggesting a competitive race will develop. "So, we have to take this into consideration and then see how other clubs will react because there are more clubs, not only Man Utd, not only Real Madrid, so it's going to be an interesting race surely," Romano explained.

TalkSPORT's Ben Jacobs has corroborated these reports, confirming that United have already begun negotiations with Fernandes' representatives. Jacobs also identified Arsenal and Real Madrid as fellow admirers of the midfielder, with the Spanish giants having recently made contact with his camp.

West Ham have placed a £85million price tag on their prized asset, though Jacobs suggested the Hammers are seeking approximately double what they invested in acquiring Fernandes initially—referencing their £38million plus £4million add-ons outlay. Despite this valuation, a departure appears likely this summer.

Fernandes is reportedly keen on the prospect of joining United, particularly given the opportunity to link up with fellow Portugal international Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. The move would reunite the pair at club level and add creativity to United's midfield options.

The pursuit of Fernandes forms part of a broader summer recruitment strategy at United, which already includes an agreed deal with Atalanta for defender Ederson Silva.