Manchester United are being dragged into a transfer saga over midfield target Mateus Fernandes.
It has already been several weeks since Manchester United first registered interest in signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham.
West Ham want £85 million for Fernandes, and there is rival interest from Tottenham, who are reportedly willing to meet that asking price.
However, United’s initial valuation of Fernandes was £50m, so Ineos will have to pay well over their own valuation to sign the Portuguese star.
Man Utd may be in for a long transfer saga over Mateus Fernandes: What is the most INFURIATING/PAINFUL one you can recall?
Man United fans have their say on Mateus Fernandes
Latest reports suggest United are increasingly confident about signing Fernandes, but West Ham are being stubborn with their £85m asking price.
Via TalkingPoints, United fans were asked whether or not the club should walk away from the negotiating table, or whether Ineos should fork out £85m to get a deal done.
“I really wanted him but if Spurs are serious about £85m, it takes the fee into obscene levels. If we valued him at £60m, we’d be paying nearly £30m more than we wanted to,” one fan wrote.
“It’d be impressive if United just agreed a deal with a top alternative out of nowhere for a good price and sent a message to clubs to stop messing us about. Let’s see,” Another added.
“Let him go to Spurs for £85m. That price for a player who has suffered back-to-back relegations, and is currently a Championship player, is laughable!” Read a third comment.
“Walk away. So much for a cut price deal with West Ham relegated from the Premier League,” Another argued.
The comments continued: “Mateus Fernandes is a good player but currently he’s not worth the figures West Ham are looking for…”
“Absolutely we should walk away. He doesn’t care who he plays for, his own words, and is good but not that kind of money.”
Should Man Utd walk away from the Mateus Fernandes deal if West Ham refuse to lower their asking price? 🤔
West Ham are sticking to their £85m demands for Mateus Fernandes
Man United are overpaying for Mateus Fernandes
As pointed out by supporters, United would be paying well over the market rate for Fernandes.
It has been widely reported that Fernandes prefers United, but it has also been claimed that he is open to joining Tottenham if they table a superior financial bid.
READ MORE: Forget M.Fernandes, Man Utd ‘increasingly optimistic’ about prising away Premier League star
United reportedly have a £250m transfer budget this summer, but an £85m deal for a relegated midfielder would take a huge bite out of that figure.
Ironically, signing Fernandes goes against Ineos’ policy. Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised United would not be chasing superstar signings, but paying £85m for Fernandes nearly matches the club’s biggest transfer fee.
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