Man United close in on £80m Fernandes as Kim Min-jae emerges as defensive target

Manchester United are pushing to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes for up to £80 million, with The Times reporting that the club have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race for the Portugal international’s signature.

Fernandes, 21, contributed three goals and four assists across 36 Premier League appearances last season but could not prevent West Ham’s relegation. His valuation has more than doubled since his £38m move from Southampton just 12 months ago, and Arsenal are said to be unwilling to match the Hammers’ asking price — a reluctance that has handed United a significant advantage.

Midfield reinforcement is a clear priority for manager Michael Carrick as he prepares the squad for Champions League football next season. United have already agreed a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson, recently called up to Brazil’s World Cup squad, but further additions in the engine room remain on the agenda. Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is another name under consideration, with the 23-year-old also attracting two bids from Manchester City.

On the defensive front, United are reported to be keeping a close eye on Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae at the World Cup. German outlet TZ claims the club have spent time scouting the 29-year-old South Korea international, who played the full 90 minutes as his side came from behind to beat Czechia 2-1. Juventus are also said to hold an interest in Kim, who joined Bayern from Napoli in 2023 and made 37 appearances as the German club won the Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal last season.

United were previously linked with Kim before his move to Bavaria, and Carrick may be revisiting that interest despite already having Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, and Ayden Heaven available at centre-back. Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt both endured injury-disrupted campaigns, and the manager will be eager to establish a reliable defensive partnership heading into next term.