As Champions League football returns to Old Trafford, the Red Devils face an £84 million battle with rivals Manchester City for West Ham’s rising midfield star.
It feels like the same story every year, but Manchester United go into the summer needing major midfield reinforcements.
Michael Carrick's side, to an extent, have been lucky to only be playing one game week, meaning the club can field the same midfield of Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes every week.
However, as the club has qualified for the Champions League next season, midfield depth is essential to ensure it can handle the increased workload.
With Casemiro confirmed to be leaving, Manuel Ugarte rumoured to also be heading towards the exit and Mason Mount's future up in the air, the need for midfield overhaul could not be more apparent.
Fernandes price tag revealed
It is no secret that the club has placed an emphasis on signing Premier League-proven players. With the overall success at different points of the season, and the signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, it seems the club will be going down this route again.
One such player that fits this category, as well as being only 21, is Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. After signing from Southampton in the summer for £42 million, the Portuguese has excelled in a struggling side.
According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, the Irons have placed an £84 million price tag on his services. This comes after previous reports suggested United have put him in the £40 million bracket.
Whether West Ham are relegated or not, they are reportedly only considering huge offers for their prized star amid interest from not just United, but also Manchester City.
Price tag potentially a bluff?
It is understandable why West Ham would place such an astronomic fee on their star. Whether they stay up or go down, this would give them a better chance of rebuilding their team to better suit the system of Nuno Espiro Santos.
However, from United's perspective, spending over £84 million on a player from a relegated side would be a significant overpay, regardless of Fernandes's talent.
This could be a bluff by West Ham to ward off any potential suitors and put them in the best possible position for a sale.
While United need three midfielders for next season, it is unlikely the club will spend big on all three signings, and for that price, the club may push to get Elliot Anderson and Carlos Baleba, who also seem to be on the list of priorities.