Mateus Fernandes in action for West Ham vs Everton (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly among the clubs eyeing up West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.
The talented young Portugal international has shone at the London Stadium this season, and it seems only a matter of time before he lands himself a big move.
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We’ve previously reported on Liverpool holding initial talks over signing Fernandes, but it could be that the Reds are going to struggle to get a deal done, despite indications that £55m could be enough to convince West Ham to sell.
There’s now been an update on the situation from TEAMtalk, who report that Liverpool are joined by the likes of Man United, City, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain in eyeing up Fernandes.
Crucially, however, they add that the Hammers do not intend to let him or any of their other star players go this summer.
Mateus Fernandes transfer to be blocked?
It seems West Ham have interest in Fernandes and other important players like Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, according to TEAMtalk’s report.
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Still, WHUFC supposedly plan to block any of these departures, so it could be that Fernandes is likely to be out of reach for this transfer window at least.
If this proves accurate, that’s a big blow for Liverpool, who could have done well to bring in the 21-year-old as an ideal long-term replacement for Alexis Mac Allister, who will turn 28 later this year and who is showing signs of being past his best.
Man Utd could also do with rebuilding their entire midfield this summer as Casemiro will be leaving on a free contract, while Manuel Ugarte has struggled.
Someone with Fernandes’ profile seems ideal for MUFC, so it will be interesting to see if these clubs decide to try coming in with big offers to persuade West Ham.