Man Utd ‘reach out’ about £85m star as Michael Carrick gets close to second summer signing
Manchester United have started talks about signing a player valued at £85 million, which could be their second big signing this summer, according to reports.
Last week, United agreed to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson. He is set to join Old Trafford after a medical, in a deal worth £35 million plus £4 million in add-ons, expected to be completed in July.
Since the deal was announced, Ederson was called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad as an injury replacement, which might slow things down a bit.
Recently, United were linked with Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni. But The Sun reports that Jose Mourinho, who may return to manage Real Madrid, wants to keep Tchouameni at the club.
This might mean United will look for other options. One player they are interested in is Mateus Fernandes, a midfielder from West Ham, whom new United head coach Michael Carrick knows well.
Fabrizio Romano shared that United have contacted West Ham about Fernandes. West Ham, recently relegated, need to raise over £150 million by selling players. Fernandes, a key player who won’t be at this summer’s World Cup, is likely to leave.
Romano said on his YouTube channel: “Many clubs are interested in Fernandes, including English teams and even Real Madrid. Manchester United have been in talks with his agents in the last 48 hours about the transfer fee and salary. West Ham’s price is £85 million. They are sure he will leave because he doesn’t fit for the Championship. United are very interested, and after Ederson, Fernandes could be next.”
Now, the main thing left is to agree on a price. Personal terms should not be an issue, especially since West Ham’s relegation puts United in a strong position.
Romano also mentioned that Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, another name linked to United, is “not that close” or concrete to joining the club.
Michael Carrick grew up in West Ham’s academy and played for their first team from 1999 to 2004. He was once linked to managing West Ham, but stayed at Middlesbrough until the end of last season before joining United as their permanent head coach.