Mateus Fernandes fee could skyrocket as West Ham star's preference shared
West Ham could bank more than £85million if Mateus Fernandes leaves.
The Portuguese star is attracting significant interest from Manchester United and Tottenham.
The former Southampton man was one of the standout players as Nuno Espirito Santo's side were relegated to the Championship.
West Ham are understood to value Fernandes around the £80m range, which would represent a huge profit on the £42m that they spent on him.
He was reportedly ready to choose Spurs over the Red Devils, but it may not be that simple.
His preference does not seem to have been decided yet, which could see the fee skyrocket.
Why could Mateus Fernandes fee go through the roof?
If Fernandes had decided where he wanted to go, the Irons would not have been able to hike up the price.
However, a report from Fabrizio Romano on Sunday claims that he has not got a preference between the clubs, and the price could be above £85m.
Speaking via his YouTube channel, he said: “I see many reports - one day he’s close to United, one day he’s close to Tottenham. The reality of this story is that Mateus Fernandes is prepared to go to Man United or Tottenham. The player is open to both moves.
“He doesn’t want to stay at West Ham, obviously, he doesn’t want to play in the Championship next season, it’s almost impossible, but he’s ready to go to Man Utd, Tottenham, the player is not creating an issue on this.
“The player is ready to accept both projects. It now depends on the club, so who can agree terms with West Ham will get the player, and it’s about the money, because they start at £85million, could be more if these clubs keep fighting for the same player, and also payment tariffs are also important for West Ham, so it’s not just about the fee, it’s also about the timing to pay this money.”
That is a very interesting development as it had seemed like the Old Trafford side had given up on a deal.
Fernandes may not be the only Hammers player to depart in the near future.
Who else could be on West Ham's chopping block?
The London Stadium side reportedly needed to make £150m in sales to ward off financial issues.
If Fernandes is sold for anything above the amount that the E20 side are looking for, that may mean they have to sell less.
Konstantinos Mavropanos has been linked with a move to Spain, Italy or Germany.
Crysencio Summerville is also said to be on the two clubs who want Fernandes' shortlist, and could bring in further finances.
The least likely exit is Jarrod Bowen, as the Irons do not want to lose him and he does not have a relegation wage cut clause like the rest of the squad.
The England hopeful could still push for an exit, but Nuno's team are in a stronger position when it comes to his situation.
They will hope to lose as little players as possible to help seal an instant top-flight return, but they may have to accept that some stars will leave, like Fernandes.