Ex-West Ham employee: Man City in hunt to sign Hammers midfielders

Mateus Fernandes is attracting growing interest in a move away from West Ham this summer with Manchester City the latest club to join the race.

The 21-year-old recently made his international debut for Portugal, attracting more interest after what has been an impressive season despite West Ham’s struggles.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side remain in a relegation battle, and will likely be forced to sell players regardless of whether they go down, with the midfielder high on the list.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Pep Guardiola wants to sign a new midfielder to add depth, with Bernardo Silva on his way out.

Man City are already making big transfer plans, and Fernandez has emerged on their list of targets as scouts have been impressed by his displays this season.

Man City add Mateus Fernandes to list of targets

Brown warned Football Insider last month that West Ham could be forced to sell Fernandes with clubs keeping a close eye on his situation.

Man City are the latest club to show an interest alongside the likes of Man United and Liverpool, with the trio all eyeing improvements to their midfield.

Elliot Anderson has also been linked with all three clubs, as has Adam Wharton, but Fernandes’ potenital availability has placed them on alert.

“Mateus Fernandes has regularly been West Ham’s best player,” Brown told Football Insider.

“When that is the case for any team who are at risk of relegation, it’s going to inspire interest from some of the bigger clubs in the Premier League.

“He’s now made his first appearance from Portugal, and that will have added to the interest in him.

“Man City are one of the clubs having a look at him, and one thing there is Bernardo Silva is going to be leaving at the end of the season.

“So they’re looking at a few midfielders who could come in and help to ease the burden of his exit.

“They’re quite well-stocked in midfield, but it’s a position they’re looking to strengthen in, and Fernandes is going to be on that list with a few other names.”

What is West Ham’s stance on selling Fernandes?

The Hammers have reported £104million worth of losses in the last year and will likely be forced to sell players in an attempt to balance the books.

However, as Fernandes has been one of their most impressive players this season, Nuno would prefer to sell other players before letting him move on.

Brown told Football Insider last month that Nuno has no plans to sell Fernandes and would be “raging” if the decision was taken out of his hands.

Should the Hammers remain in the Premier League next season, the Portugal international will play a key role, and there are hopes he will remain at the centre of Nuno’s plans.

The midfielder has been one of the Irons’ most important players this season and will be crucial to their progress in the immediate and long-term future.

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