Mateus Fernandes exit to be accelerated at West Ham as Man United move again

Manchester United are ramping up their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham this summer.

And it should come as no surprise.

The former Saints star was one of the standout stars in an otherwise dismal Irons side last term, having attracted plenty of interest as a result.

PSG, Real Madrid, Man United and Tottenham had all shown an interest, albeit at different stages.

Real Madrid were said to be facing financial troubles when it came to the deal, while unverified reports across social media suggested Tottenham had reached an agreement with the midfielder.

However, new reports on Saturday point heavily towards a move to Old Trafford, with the Red Devils ready to step up their hunt.

What's the latest on Mateus Fernandes' exit?

West Ham have set their stall out on Jarrod Bowen, with it claimed that he is not for sale at any price.

But for Fernandes, they already seem resigned to losing him, and it may be to Man United.

Matteo Moretto reports that the 13-time Premier League title winners have now made new contact again with Fernandes and plan to hold talks with West Ham over a deal.

The Hammers have been reported to value him around the £75million mark, and whether or not Michael Carrick's side are willing to meet that valuation remains to be seen.

Man United are prepared to improve their contract offer to the midfielder to try and encourage him to make the move.

Fernandes exit shows value to West Ham transfer approach

Signing relegated players is often frowned upon in the Premier League, especially for clubs who should be striving for European football like West Ham.

But Fernandes is the prime example of why deals of that nature should not be disregarded, just because of the outcome of a season.

He was the best player by a country mile at Southampton before they suffered relegation, and was again one of the best at West Ham.

The Championship has some potential bargains that can benefit teams on and off the pitch, and this will be an incentive for the Hammers to delve into that market more often further down the line.