Although the transfer window doesn’t officially open until June 15, Premier League clubs will already be working hard to finetune their squads.
All 20 top flight sides will likely be busy in the market in the coming weeks, including champions Arsenal and newly-promoted Ipswich Town, Coventry City and Hull City.
Manchester United are also set to be active throughout the window, and with that in mind it has emerged that the Red Devils are eyeing a move to sign a Championship player with a huge price tag.
As reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been in contact with the representatives of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes about a possible move this summer.
Romano claims that the Hammers have put a price tag of £85 million on Fernandes, who only joined the club from Southampton last summer.
Fernandes looks set to leave West Ham this summer (Photo: MI News & Sport/Alamy)
Fernandes, 21, made 38 appearances for West Ham during his debut season in east London, but was unable to prevent Nuno Espirito Santo’s from being relegated to The Championship.
The midfielder had previously impressed during his time at St. Mary’s, and has continued his progression since moving to the capital.
It is claimed that West Ham have decided the player’s price tag after meeting with his representatives, although it remains to be seen whether or not Man United will be willing to pay that amount to land the midfielder.
The Red Devils also look set to face stiff competition in the race to land the Portugal international, with several unnamed sides believed to be interested in the player.
Fernandes signed a long-term contract when arriving at The London Stadium last summer and is therefore tied down to the club until the end of the 2029/30 season.