Mateus Fernandes can consider himself a little unlucky to have missed out on a place in Portugal’s World Cup squad. It’s testimony to the squad’s strength that the 21 year old cannot make the cut, let alone the starting eleven.
Having proven his worth and an ability to play at 6, 8 or 10, Fernandes is hot property going into the summer window. Manchester United have already broken cover with reported interest in the West Ham midfielder.
United £30m short of valuation
According to teamtalk.com: “Man Utd are some £30m shy of West Ham’s valuation for leading star amid belief ‘deal can be completed’.”
United have what is described as a growing belief that a deal can be done for Fernandes this summer, despite being some distance short of West Ham’s valuation and with the player’s thoughts on a move to Old Trafford now coming to light.
West Ham’s stance: Pay up or push off
As one report noted, West Ham should point the Red Devils at the £80m asking price and tell them simply to pay up or push off.
It’s a long summer window with plenty of time for other suitors to come calling. PSG were in the mix according to various reports last month.
The price of relegation
£80m is worth waiting for. West Ham fans have long since reconciled themselves to losing both Fernandes and rising star Crysencio Summerville this summer.
It’s called the price of relegation.
The bottom line
United are £30m short. West Ham want £80m. Fernandes is 21, versatile and Premier League proven.
The starting gun has been fired. PSG are lurking. The summer window is long.
West Ham hold the cards. United need to find the money. Fernandes is the prize.
Pay up or push off. That’s the message. Now we wait to see who blinks first.
