The 21-year-old Portuguese international has emerged as a top target for Man United, but the INEOS-led hierarchy are refusing to pay the fee West Ham are currently demanding.
Fernandes enjoyed an outstanding campaign at the London Stadium, finishing as runner-up for West Ham’s Player of the Year behind Konstantinos Mavropanos.
However, the Hammers’ shock relegation to the Championship has made his summer departure almost inevitable. Manchester United are one of several interested clubs and have held talks with Fernandes’ representatives.
West Ham, eager to maximise profit on a player they signed from Southampton for £40 million just a year ago, have set a hefty £80 million price tag on their prized asset.
For Manchester United, that figure is seen as unrealistic despite the club boasting a sizeable transfer budget following Champions League qualification.
While United remain highly interested in the player, who is keen on a move to Old Trafford, they plan to submit a proposal significantly below West Ham’s current valuation. United hope to leverage the player’s desire for the transfer, along with West Ham’s relegation, to force a compromise.
Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked with the ‘exceptional’ Fernandes, and a bidding war would only benefit West Ham.
United have a shortlist of more cost-effective alternatives should they decide to walk away from the Fernandes deal.