West Ham Exclusive: Spanish giants ready formal Fernandes move
Atletico Madrid are rivalling West Ham in the race to sign Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes, sources have told Football Insider.
The Premier League club have made an enquiry for the 21-year-old as they work on getting a deal done this month.
But Atletico are now preparing a formal move for the Portugal Under-21 international.
Last weekend (9 August), Fernandes came off the bench to play the last half an hour as Southampton produced a dramatic comeback to beat Wrexham 2-1.
West Ham suffer blow in Mateus Fernandes pursuit
News of Atletico Madrid’s interest in Fernandes will come as a major blow to West Ham and their pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder.
The Hammers have the pull of being in the Premier League, but are unlikely to be able to compete with Diego Simeone’s side, who possess the lure of Champions League football.
West Ham were keen to sign Fernandes as a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta, who could be leaving the London Stadium this summer.
A number of Saudi Pro League clubs have been linked with Paqueta, after he was cleared of any wrongdoing regarding spot-fixing allegations.
West Ham eye Liverpool star
Meanwhile, Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Liverpool will accept an offer of around £20million for Ben Doak this summer.
Both Leeds United and West Ham are pursuing the 19-year-old, who could potentially be leaving Anfield before the end of the window.
Sources say that Liverpool will not stand in Doak’s way if a suitable offer that meets their price tag comes in.
The Scotland international is well down the pecking order under Arne Slot, and would need a move away to guarantee first-team football in the Premier League.
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