United's Fernandes fallback Nmecha sees asking price halved to £52m ahead of World Cup audition

Manchester United have identified Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha as a backup midfield target, with the German international’s asking price reported to have been cut from £104m to £52m — a figure the club consider realistic — as United press ahead with a primary pursuit of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

United’s midfield recruitment drive this summer has already seen them ruled out of a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, after Forest rejected a total bid of £120m from Manchester City. That development prompted United to pivot, and Fernandes — who contributed five goals and five assists for a relegated West Ham side last season — is now the club’s first-choice target. At 21, the Portuguese midfielder carries Premier League experience and fits United’s preference for young players already proven in England’s top flight. West Ham’s need to raise funds to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations has given United confidence a deal can be completed.

However, the club are not relying solely on the Fernandes move. Nmecha, 25, has drawn attention after a productive season at Dortmund — five goals and three assists — and announced himself on the international stage this month with a goal and an assist in Germany’s 7-1 win over Curacao. United, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all said to be monitoring the former City academy product.

German outlet Bild had previously placed Nmecha’s price at £104m, a figure that would have placed him beyond United’s current transfer parameters. TEAMtalk now reports that figure has been halved to £52m, with a deal described as “very realistic.” United’s recent transfer strategy has moved away from large single-player outlays, making the revised valuation considerably more palatable.

Dortmund’s established model of developing and selling players at a profit means the Bundesliga club are unlikely to obstruct a deal if a fair price is agreed. The caveat for United is timing: should Nmecha continue to impress at the World Cup, his value could rise again before any formal negotiations begin.

With Atalanta’s Ederson already set to join after the tournament, United are seeking one further midfield addition. Whether that proves to be Fernandes, Nmecha, or another candidate will likely depend on how quickly the West Ham deal progresses.