Mateus Fernandes wearing a Manchester United shirt, with Old Trafford as the background.
Mateus FernandesTung Manh Phan
Transfers

Man United face fundamental sticking point in Mateus Fernandes transfer pursuit as rival interest could force decision

Pete Hanson
Pete Hanson

Head of Editorial Standards & Recruitment AUTHORITY Former senior digital journalist at Stats Perform; network specialist in live data, editorial standards, and journalist recruitment. FOCUS Editorial standards, Statscore live data integration, newsroom operations, and recruitment. THE BRIEF Pete brings deep data expertise from his time at Stats Perform to oversee the network’s use of Statscore’s live data, setting the standard for how writers use it to produce original editorial content. He is also responsible for maintaining editorial standards and leading recruitment across the network.

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Manchester United are seemingly at a crossroads in their pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The Red Devils are among a cluster of teams linked with a move for the Hammers' Portugal international this summer.

The likes of Real Madrid and Tottenham have also been touted as potential options, with West Ham looking certain to sell in the transfer window.

It has been suggested that Fernandes' first choice would be a switch to Old Trafford, where he would feature in the Champions League next season.

West Ham need to make player sales following their relegation from the Premier League last season, and Fernandes could bring in big money.

But Man United's own pursuit looks like it is at a bit of a stand-off for the time being.

Man United showing reluctance over West Ham's Mateus Fernandes demand

One way or another, it seems certain that Fernandes will depart the London Stadium this season.

The Hammers forked out around £40million to pluck him from Southampton in the last summer window, and are looking for a big profit.

However, the Athletic reported in their Transfer DealSheet that Man United view the Irons' £80m demand as a "fundamental sticking point" to conclude a deal.

According to the report, personal terms with the player are not expected to be a barrier to a deal.

However, with rival interest potentially driving up the 21-year-old's price, the Athletic say that United's hierarchy could be forced into making a decision over whether to fork out the asking price.

Mateus Fernandes wearing a Manchester United shirt, with Old Trafford as the background.
Tottenham up the ante for Mateus Fernandes transfer as new talks take place for West Ham United ace

Man United may be forced to act quicker as Spurs up the ante

The Red Devils may be baulking at the price they have been quoted, but they might have to make a quicker decision.

Fabrizio Romano reported over the weekend that Spurs are looking to up the ante in their own move for Fernandes.

Fernandes' preference may help Man United in their bid to complete a deal, but West Ham will want to hold firm in their own valuation.

So, if they want to get a deal done, they might have to bite the bullet and cough up the fee the Hammers are asking for.

If they don't, then they lisk losing out on one of their top summer targets. The ball rests in their court on this one really.

Manchester United Football Club
West Ham United Football Club
Mateus Goncalo Espanha Fernandes
www.westhamzone.com