United now in talks to strike agreement with 52m star, he’s willing to reject PSG for Old Trafford – report

Manchester United are stepping up their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes following West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship. Earlier this month, United seemingly focused on advancing talks with Ederson and Atalanta over the Brazilian’s summer move to Old Trafford. It is believed he will become a Red Devil unless “something crazy happens”. United are now working on putting themselves in a similar situation regarding the sought-after Fernandes. Manchester United pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are emerging as the “strongest contenders” for Mateus Fernandes. West Ham have placed a €50-60 million (£43.2-52m) valuation on the technically gifted midfielder, and it is added that this figure is expected to drop following relegation.  The Hammers find themselves in a financial predicament, with many reports suggesting they need major sales to balance the books. As such, a sale of Fernandes this summer “appears increasingly likely” despite his long-term contract. United are monitoring the situation, as the Red Devils view the Portuguese youngster as a long-term solution in midfield. The 21-year-old could play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes, in the middle of the park. Talks with Mateus Fernandes accelerated It is claimed that United’s transfer committee has “accelerated talks” with the player’s representatives, and Fernandes himself is said to be attracted by the opportunity to play Champions League football. United face competition from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea for the former Southampton gem. 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 However, recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming the Mancunians are Fernandes’ “first pick” ahead of the Emirates or the Parc des Princes, the homes of this year’s Champions League winners. Meanwhile, United have allegedly cooled their interest in Carlos Baleba due to Brighton & Hove Albion’s high valuation of the Cameroonian. As such, INEOS’s focus appears to be on Ederson and Fernandes for the time being. Featured image Clive Rose 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 Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!