Man Utd given price for Mateus Fernandes as they close in on second signing

Manchester United have been given a price for Mateus Fernandes who has emerged as a favourite to be the club's second midfield reinforcement.

With a £40 million deal for Ederson agreed with Atlanta, the focus has been on further strengthening the centre of the pitch.

Fernandes is a strong option especially with his preference to join United over Arsenal or Paris Saint-Germain.

But at the same time United are still some way short of West Ham's valuation for the Portuguese.

West Ham have set an asking price of £80million, according to The Athletic.

The Hammers need to raise £150m after suffering relegation to the Championship and Fernandes is seen as their most valuable asset.

The Portugal international, 26, joined for £38m last summer from Southampton, who negotiated a 15 per cent sell-on fee.

United are continuing to negotiate with the Hammers and it is thought that West Ham could be knocked down to around £50 million.

The midfielder is also known to have the backing of United captain Bruno Fernandes - who knows him as an international teammate.

He is viewed as a good option to combine with Bruno Fernandes as a more defensive player who would allow the United captain to express himself more in attack.

Fernandes is now the more likely target now that it appears unlikely they will be able to tempt Elliot Anderson who has been valued at more than £100 million and appears to be set to join Manchester City.

United also hold a strong interest in landing Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, though the Magpies’ valuation would make it difficult.

Meanwhile Fernandes has enjoyed a strong season at the London Stadium despite the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham are expected to cash in on several players as they restructure for the second tier of English football and United would hope to knock them down from their £80 million asking price for Fernandes.I