West Ham's midfield targets that could replace Mateus Fernandes as £85m exit nears

West Ham United have multiple midfield targets in mind after agreeing to sell Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur.

The Hammers have given permission for the Portuguese star to undergo his medical with the North London side, who have seemingly beaten Manchester United to his signature.

Fernandes was internally viewed by the Irons as one of the best young players in the Premier League last season, hence the hefty £85million exit fee.

Spurs were always keen to sign the 21-year-old, with Roberto De Zerbi a big driving force behind the deal.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side will now see their need to sell slice by a significant amount once the sale goes through, after it was reported the club needed to raise over £100m.

Now, West Ham will look to replace Fernandes, as they've already been planning for his exit for the past couple of weeks.

Here's who West Ham may have in mind to replace Mateus Fernandes

According to Sky Sports, Fernandes' proposed £85m move to Tottenham will smash the Lilywhites' current club-record transfer fee of £65m.

Man United were said to be unwilling to pay West Ham's value of their star man, with heads now turning in the direction of the Hammers to see what their next move is.

The Irons have been linked with Sheffield United midfielder Sydie Peck, as The Star report the Hammers have interest along with two Premier League sides.

Arne Engels is said to be on West Ham's radar, with multiple European clubs monitoring the Celtic star's current situation.

The Belgian has impressed for the Hoops in his first two seasons in Scotland, picking up 38 goal involvements in 98 games.

The 22-year-old is rated highly by Celtic, but it may take a fair chunk of the Fernandes fee to pry him to E20.

But do West Ham even need to spend to replace Fernandes?

West Ham could have internal Fernandes replacements

With Tomas Soucek now set to stay at West Ham for a fight in the Championship, Nuno's midfield will instantly be one of the best in the second tier.

The job for West Ham is to now find Soucek a partner in the middle of the park, and they already have a few options within their ranks.

Freddie Potts has experience in the Championship after a productive loan spell with Portsmouth during the 2024-25 season, where he impressed at Fratton Park.

Soungoutou Magassa is another option for Nuno to play with Soucek, as is Mohamadou Kante, but both are being monitored by French clubs.

If either of the pair stays, they could be an ideal man to step in for Fernandes, considering West Ham's financial situation.