Numerous reports are claiming that Manchester United may have turned their attention away from West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Instead, the Red Devils are said to be eyeing a move for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, although the quoted £50 million fee seems a little on the light side.
United are looking to replace Casemiro in midfield and, for much of the season, Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton were tipped to succeed the Brazilian. That was before Fernandes began producing consistently impressive performances for West Ham under Nuno Espírito Santo, where he has been nothing short of outstanding.
Fernandes has thrived at West Ham under Nuno
Fernandes Future Hinges on West Ham Survival
Last week, Claret & Hugh were informed by a top transfer source that “Fernandes will 100% leave if West Ham go down”.
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However, the midfielder is known to have a strong relationship with compatriot Nuno, with both sharing the same agent, Jorge Mendes.
Suffice to say, if the Hammers remain in the Premier League, there is a chance the 21-year-old will stay put.
Which makes Manchester United’s apparent shift towards Baleba all the more significant — because, in truth, £50 million wouldn’t come close to prising Fernandes away from West Ham.