Manchester United face a new threat in the hunt for Mateus Fernandes as Liverpool are now plotting to hijack a move for the West Ham United midfielder, according to a new report. Midfield Maestro Fernandes, 21, has emerged as the Red Devils’ priority target this summer after a pursuit of Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson failed, with the 23-year-old England international close to joining Manchester City. But the analytics department at Old Trafford consider Fernandes an outstanding alternative, with the potential to grow into one of Europe’s best midfielders. His versatility, being capable of playing in both advanced and more defensive roles, is a major attraction for United after a superb individual campaign for West Ham. Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7 Source: Sofascore Initially, there was optimism that West Ham’s relegation would force them into a fire sale of their most valuable assets, with reports suggesting up to £150 million had to be raised in preparation for the descent into the Championship. However, the Hammers are playing hardball over Fernandes, placing a prohibitive valuation of £85m on his head. United, by contrast, had hoped to strike a deal around the £60m mark, leading to weeks of protracted negotiations between the two clubs. It is understood the Portugal international, who hails Bruno Fernandes as one of his idols, has communicated a strong desire to complete a switch to M16, despite interest from a number of top clubs in Europe. Both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are admirers, with Jose Mourinho pushing for Los Blancos to target his compatriot, while Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Newcastle United have also been credited as suitors. Liverpool and Spurs eye hijacks Last week, Tottenham Hotspur stormed into the race at the request of Roberto De Zerbi, holding talks with Fernandes’ agent, Jorge Mendes, and receiving assurances he was open to swapping the east of London for the north. But United’s hierarchy, spearheaded by sporting director Jason Wilcox, are said to remain confident they are frontrunners for the Olhão native, with the allure of Champions League football at the Theatre of Dreams a far more attractive proposition than joining a side who came perilously close to relegation last season. However, Football Insider now claims Liverpool are ramping up interest in Fernandes as the Reds “accelerate their plans to sign a midfielder” after a disappointing campaign at Anfield. A lack of “energy and athleticism” has been identified as a key weakness which ultimately cost Arne Slot his job, with AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola taking charge in the Dutchman’s place. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirms Liverpool have made contact to assess the viability of a deal for Fernandes, though he notes “they didn’t return with any bid or any official conversation”, while Football Insider claims the Merseyside club have “positioned themselves to hijack a move” for the all-action dynamo, who is considered the exact profile needed to rejuvenate their midfield. Despite spending a record-breaking sum last summer, the report concludes there is a “growing sense [Liverpool] will be very active again in the current window” to give Iraola the best chance of success. And why Spurs may be an easy club for United to see off, their north west rivals are an entirely different proposition. Final Thoughts Regardless of whether United may remain at the front of the queue for Fernandes, or however keen the player is to become a Red Devil, if West Ham do not cave on their exorbitant demands, it is hard to see INEOS sanctioning a deal. The growing interest from two major rivals will only embolden the Hammers to stick to their guns in hope of sparking a bidding war, particularly as Liverpool have the cash to splash if one of their existing midfielders leaves, according to Romano. However, the financial situation at the London Stadium is precarious, with significant income needed before the end of the month to avoid a potential PSR hit, explaining why United are “playing it cool” in their pursuit, even if may allow another club to leapfrog them in the queue. Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.