West Ham United have accepted that they will need to sell Mateus Fernandes this summer, despite the chance that they could remain in the Premier League.
Manchester United will know that replacing Casemiro is their top priority this summer, especially given that they appear to have decided to appoint Michael Carrick as the permanent head coach.
Roundtable understands that Real Madrid could be open to selling Aurelian Tchouaméni should he ask to leave the club, meaning if United can convince him, they could be in pole position to sign the Frenchman.
Tchouaméni would likely join United as the first-choice defensive midfielder to play alongside Kobbie Mainoo. While this would solve the biggest problem, director of football Jason Wilcox will still be looking for at least one more central midfielder, if not two.
Manuel Ugarte looks set to exit Old Trafford this summer after two poor years in red, and with neither of them available on Saturday afternoon, Mason Mount was forced into the double pivot. The England international was not the worst player on the pitch, but he was not entirely comfortable, either.
United must look to bolster their options going into next season, especially with Champions League football to play, too.
United face Fernandes competition
Mateus Fernandes is one of the more regular names to be linked with a move to Manchester United this summer after a standout campaign for West Ham United.
Despite his form, The Hammers sit in 18th place with just two games left to play. It now appears that it will be either them or Tottenham Hotspur who join Wolverhampton Wanderers and Burnley in the Championship next season.
The Athletic have reported that West Ham has now accepted that they will be forced to sell Mateus Fernandes this summer, regardless of the division they are playing in next season.
This comes amid news of Paris Saint-Germain's interest in the Portuguese playmaker, which The Athletic have also confirmed.
Fernandes' price tag has also recently been confirmed, as United begin to finalise their options in the transfer market.
United must push for Fernandes
With Casemiro leaving on a free this summer, United will not be adding a large sum to the transfer budget from his sale, although having his wages of the bill will help financially. So, they must look for cheaper options in the market.
Fernandes does not have a release clause in his West Ham contract, but should they be relegated, he will likely be available for a much lower price than what a player of his quality should be worth.
The 21-year-old could join Michael Carrick's squad as a versatile midfield option, who has already proven he is good enough to compete in the Premier League.
Should United sign Fernandes and Tchouaméni this summer, they will not have just replaced Casemiro, but they will have improved their overall balance and options from the bench.