Manchester United have moved away from pursuing Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, with the midfielder expected to join rivals Manchester City instead.
Manchester City have already seen a second formal offer worth £120m rejected by Forest, signalling just how complicated that particular transfer saga has become.
United’s search for a new centre-midfielder to replace Casemiro and partner Kobbie Mainoo at Old Trafford continues at pace regardless.
According to TEAMtalk, West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes is desperate to join Manchester United this summer, with the Red Devils confident they will land the 22-year-old.
The Times have separately revealed that United are set to beat Arsenal to his signature, with those in the know believing it is only a matter of time before the deal is done.
West Ham are demanding £85m for the Portuguese talent, though their relegation to the Championship raises questions about their leverage in negotiations.
Football writer Joost van der Leij has previously regarded Fernandes as something of a “superstar” for West Ham, underlining the high regard in which he is held across the game.
Fernandes was deployed across multiple midfield roles by both Graham Potter and Nuno Espirito Santo during the 2025/26 season, showing impressive versatility throughout.
His statistics compare favourably with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, recording seven goal contributions across the campaign compared to Tonali’s two, while also winning significantly more duels per 90 minutes.
INEOS have identified Tonali as one potential midfield target, with Newcastle expected to demand around £100m should formal offers arrive, making Fernandes the more financially attractive option.
Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions manager, described Anderson as “one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,” highlighting just how competitive the market for top central midfielders has become this window.
Michael Carrick has steadily restored belief at Old Trafford, but adding quality in the engine room is considered essential to sustaining and building upon that momentum.
Fernandes’ age and development profile also align with what INEOS appear to want, a player who can grow into the club’s identity over several years rather than a short-term addition.
At 22, the Portuguese midfielder still has significant room to develop, and United’s coaching staff believe that a more competitive environment could unlock areas of his game not yet fully seen.
His combative qualities, recording 3.9 tackles and interceptions per 90 compared to Tonali’s 1.9, suggest he would adapt well to the demands of a club chasing silverware.
In truth, both Tonali and Fernandes are among the Premier League’s standout midfielders, but United’s preference now appears to firmly point in one direction.