Man Utd information: £80m switch raid on rival membership deliberate as England star’s future unsure
Manchester United are reportedly targeting West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes for £80m and Newcastle’s Lewis Hall for at least £50m as they look to bolster their squad ahead of their Champions League return to Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick is looking to raid two rival clubs(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Manchester United are acutely aware that their squad requires bolstering ahead of the forthcoming season. While Michael Carrick managed to steady the ship in the latter half of the campaign, he only had the Premier League to concentrate on.
Having secured the return of Champions League football to Old Trafford, his squad will need strengthening. And new signings could be made across the board. Midfield reinforcements are being prioritised, but focus is already beginning to shift towards the defence. Here, Mirror Football examines the latest developments concerning the Red Devils, reports the Mirror.
Luke Shaw featured in all 38 league matches this season, a feat all the more remarkable given his history with injuries. But with Patrick Dorgu now viewed as an option further up the pitch and Tyrell Malacia having been let go, a new left-back is needed.
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According to The Athletic, one of the candidates United are contemplating to fill that gap is Newcastle’s Lewis Hall. The Chelsea academy graduate has emerged as one of the standout performers at St James’ Park.
It therefore raised eyebrows when Thomas Tuchel omitted him from his England squad for the World Cup, with Djed Spence instead getting the nod as back-up to Nico O’Reilly. Hall is contracted until 2029 in the north east.
That’s precisely why the report indicates any transfer this summer could demand at least £50m, possibly more. However, that might prove a sound investment for a 21 year old who has already cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s finest left-backs.
One of United’s midfield targets is Mateus Fernandes, who enjoyed another standout season despite enduring his second consecutive Premier League relegation following his switch to West Ham from Southampton last summer.
Another 21 year old with enormous promise means another substantial valuation. The Times report that despite their drop to the Championship, the Hammers will demand £80m for his signature.
Whether that will deter United remains unclear. Arsenal also maintain an interest in the adaptable Portuguese midfielder and could clash with United, though it’s understood he prefers a switch to Old Trafford.
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