Sources: Man United close in on Mateus Fernandes as agreement struck

Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes and are making progress towards a full transfer agreement, sources have told Football Insider.

Fernandes, 21, is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation to the Championship and is also reportedly close to agreeing terms with Tottenham.

Sources have revealed that the Hammers are holding out for over £80million for the midfielder, with Man United hoping to conclude a deal worth £65m plus add ons.

The 20-times Premier League champions will hope that the offer of Champions League football will allow them to beat Tottenham to the signing of Fernandes, but transfer chiefs do not want to be drawn into a bidding war.

Michael Carrick wants to add three midfielders to his squad this summer, with a £35m deal for Atalanta's Ederson expected to go through after the World Cup.

Tottenham have also been heavily linked with a move for Sandro Tonali, with Newcastle United set to hold out for a fee in the region of £100m.

Manchester United face midfield overhaul

Football Insider revealed on Friday that Man United are interested in Felix Nmecha, with the midfielder among several options as Michael Carrick looks to oversee an overhaul of his squad.

Key man Casemiro left at the end of his contract this summer and Manuel Ugarte could leave in the coming months after making just 22 Premier League appearances this season.

With the addition of Champions League football, Man United will have two games per week for much of the season and must provide Kobbie Mainoo with significant support in the middle.

Ederson is viewed as a bolstering option for the squad, but should he arrive, Fernandes will be expected to gain a starting role in the Premier League.

Why is Mateus Fernandes in demand this summer?

Despite having been relegated with West Ham, Fernandes enjoyed a strong season after completing his £42m move from Southampton last summer.

The 21-year-old cropped up with three goals and four assists in the top flight, with his ability both on and off the ball garnering significant attention.

Often from deep in the midfield but also sometimes with forward runs, the Portugal international created 1.10 chances per 90, as well as 0.83 successful dribbles and 1.46 fouls won.

Defensively, Fernandes registered 3.07 tackles, 1.04 interceptions, 5.42 recoveries and a huge 5.92 duels won per game, and was the most consistent part of West Ham's midfield.

Considering his age and ability to develop further, the interest in the young midfield is unsurprising.