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Manchester United are reportedly assessing the possibility of signing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes in a deal that could be worth around £80 million.

According to reports from Sky Sports, the Old Trafford outfit have begun background checks on the Portuguese international as they contemplate a summer approach. Strengthening the midfield remains a top priority for manager Michael Carrick in this transfer window.

Although West Ham are currently not keen on parting ways with the 21-year-old, it is understood that the Hammers value him at approximately £80 million. Fernandes was signed only last summer from Southampton for an initial fee of £38 million.

However, West Ham’s relegation to the Championship might alter the situation. Their demotion makes a sale more likely, and United view Fernandes as a realistic target under the current circumstances. This development has moved him higher on their list of potential summer recruits.

Fernandes’s appeal is evident. Despite West Ham’s struggles, he was one of the standout performers during the latter part of the campaign, displaying energy, mobility, and composure on the ball across different areas of the pitch.

Some within Manchester United reportedly see similarities between Fernandes’s playing style and that of Declan Rice, the England international whom the club missed out on in previous years.

Remarkably, Fernandes’s reputation has continued to rise despite experiencing consecutive relegations with Southampton and West Ham. His performances have caught the eye across Europe, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City also showing interest. Certain reports have even linked Real Madrid to the pursuit of the midfielder.

This level of competition could make United’s pursuit more challenging, particularly in light of West Ham’s high valuation.

Should a deal materialise, it would follow United’s recently agreed £38 million transfer for Atalanta midfielder Éderson — the first signing of Carrick’s squad rebuild. Fernandes, if signed, would be viewed as a complementary addition to the team rather than a direct replacement.

As things stand, United’s interest remains in the exploratory phase. The club admire both the player and the timing, but West Ham’s steep asking price continues to be the main obstacle to overcome.