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Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 8 May 2026 15:00, UK

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Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a target for Manchester United as West Ham edge towards relegation from the Premier League, sources have told Football Insider.

The 21-year-old has been a shining light for the Hammers despite what has been a miserable season and could be allowed to leave if they drop into the Championship.

Man United are the latest club to show an interest in the Portugal international as they continue to make plans to bolster their midfield when the window opens.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, West Ham will find it “impossible” to keep Fernandes if they are relegated.

That has attracted interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, but as Man United accelerate their transfer plans, they could be the leading contenders.

Could Man United make a move to sign Mateus Fernandes?

Football Insider revealed earlier this year that West Ham are extremely reluctant to lose Fernandes, but his potential availability has put top clubs on alert.

Man United are believed to be among those interested, as they aim to bolster their midfield ahead of the impending departure of Casemiro when his contract expires.

The addition of at least two midfielders has become a priority for the Red Devils, and Fernandes is believed to be on their list of potential targets.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Man United and a number of clubs will be hoping to take advantage of any potential West Ham relegation with Mateus Fernandes.

“He’s on that long list of midfield targets that United are looking at.

“If West Ham go down, it’ll be almost impossible to keep hold of the Portuguese midfielder because I’m sure he won’t want to be playing in the Championship.

“There’ll be a number of clubs, not just Manchester United who will be keeping tabs on Fernandez and West Ham’s survival fight as well.

“And I think it’ll be real tough battle for West Ham to keep hold of him, especially if they go down.”

How do West Ham feel about selling Fernandes?

West Ham are determined to keep hold of Fernandes alongside their best players beyond the end of the season and have been extremely reluctant to entertain talk of an exit.

However, Premier League survival is set to play a crucial part in whether the midfielder is allowed to leave the London Stadium, and that now looks unlikely.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown told Football Insider earlier this year that Fernandes is likely to leave the London Stadium due to a clause in his contract.

Should they suffer relegation come the end of the season, Fernandes and his Hammers teammates will see their wages slashed by 50 per cent.

As a result, they will struggle to hang on to their best players in the second tier, and the midfield could be one of a number of big-name stars prised away.