Liverpool could beat Man United to Mateus Fernandes as West Ham name price

Liverpool could hold an advantage over Manchester United when it comes to signing in-demand West Ham United gem Mateus Fernandes.

Fernandes is attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, as well as other teams across the continent, following West Ham's relegation from the top flight.

The one-cap Portugal international caught the eye for the Hammers in an otherwise dire campaign that culminated in relegation on the final day of the season.

It is the second season running that Fernandes has suffered that fate, yet he is once again set to land on his feet a year on from jumping ship at Southampton.

And it appears West Ham have now named their price for Fernandes, with Liverpool and Man United among those circling.

Liverpool join Man United in race for Mateus Fernandes

Liverpool announced the appointment of Andoni Iraola on Thursday and now look set to ramp up their transfer business.

A report via Portuguese outlet A Bola suggests that Liverpool are the latest team to register an interest in Fernandes.

Liverpool are also said to hold an interest in Jarrod Bowen, but it may well be that Fernandes is the player in even higher demand this summer.

The report suggests that West Ham have set a valuation of around £68.3million for the 21-year-old.

That would make West Ham a fairly decent profit on the £38m upfront fee paid to Southampton last year.

It is claimed that Manchester United are unwilling to go that high, which could pave the way for Liverpool to pounce.

Liverpool are aware new faces are needed this coming window, including a statement signing or two, on the back of a disappointing 2025-26.

David Sullivan can't get too comfortable over Fernandes' future

David Sullivan is no doubt licking his lips at the prospect of doubling his money for Fernandes, despite West Ham's relegation.

Factor in a possible big fee for Bowen, too, and West Ham have already recouped plenty of much-needed funds.

But while this transfer talk is all well and good, there have been no official bids as far as we are aware.

And until that happens - if it does indeed happen - Sullivan cannot get too comfortable.

A bidding war would absolutely suit Sullivan and West Ham, but if a bid anywhere in the region of £50m is made, that needs to be seriously considered.

The absolute last thing West Ham need is to miss out on a big fee for Fernandes - hailed as "exceptional" by Jan Molby - while they are trapped in the second tier.

For now, this is still very much in the 'one to watch' phase.