Manchester United have turned their attention to Mateus Fernandes as their next target and Ineos now know exactly what it will cost to sign him.
With a £38m deal for Ederson already wrapped up, Ineos are moving on to the next step in their Manchester United midfield rebuild.
Marquee targets like Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni appear to be off the market, but West Ham star Mateus Fernandes ticks all the boxes as a young, Premier League-proven talent.
Fernandes is prioritising a move to United if he leaves the Hammers this summer, but the London club are not making it easy.
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There are reports that United are ready to pay £50m for Fernandes this summer, which is a respectable fee to a club that has just been relegated.
However, West Ham continue to insist with a bigger price tag for the 21-year-old midfielder.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that West Ham officials have held a meeting and set a fixed price tag for Fernandes this summer.
That price tag is £85 million.
Romano adds that United are in contact with Fernandes’ camp over a move, and that other clubs are also showing interest.
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Man Utd should not worry about Mateus Fernandes price tag
An £85 million price tag for Fernandes will certainly raise eyebrows, but there is plenty of reason to believe that West Ham are bluffing.
Firstly, United fans will remember when Southampton wanted £100m for Tyler Dibling after they were relegated. A few weeks later, he was sold to Everton for less than half that amount.
West Ham are aware of the mass interest in Fernandes and are trying to maximise their profits, but the reality is that the player will be desperate to leave.
Fernandes idolises Bruno Fernandes and has spoken openly about his adoration for United. He will know this is his best chance of getting an Old Trafford move, and if he pushes towards the exit then West Ham’s price will drop.
Fernandes’ contract at West Ham expires in 2030, so he can’t force a free transfer any time soon, but the London club must know that no one is paying as much as £85 million this summer.
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