Personal Terms Agreed: Man Utd Move for Mateus Fernandes Alternative 'Has Legs'

Manchester United will be looking to build upon their best season in years this campaign after the excellent work of then-interim boss Michael Carrick saw the Red Devils finish third in the Premier League.

Carrick has since been given the job on a permanent basis and is leading what supporters will hope will prove to be a big summer for United as they look to get closer to returning to past glories.

Already, a number of big names in England and across Europe have been linked with a potential switch to Old Trafford this summer.

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes is amongst the players who have been most strongly reported as a serious target for United this summer. However, if the Red Devils can't secure the Portuguese's signature, a recent report has suggested that there are still viable alternatives.

Latest on Man United's midfielder search

Speaking on The United Stand, GIVEMESPORT senior football correspondent Ben Jacobs reinforced that Fernandes is still United's "leading target" this summer, but there is still interest in both Carlos Baleba and Sander Berge if they don't sign the West Ham midfielder.

"Absolutely, Mateus Fernandes leading target [for Man Utd] at the moment," Jacobs said. "If they don't get him, I still think there's legs to the Carlos Baleba situation and keep an eye on Sander Berge, who's another player that Manchester United have discussed in recent weeks."

Fernandes was one of the few star players in a poor West Ham side relegated from the Premier League last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Additionally, the 21-year-old had scored four goals and registered four assists in the campaign prior for a Southampton side that finished bottom as one of the worst ever Premier League teams.

The Hammers are in a position where they can demand a significant transfer fee, having only signed Fernandes last summer, with the Portuguese's contract running until 2030.

United prepared to revisit pursuit of Carlos Baleba

If Fernandes doesn't come to Old Trafford this summer, United appear ready to revisit their interest in Baleba, who the Red Devils tried to sign from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that there is already an agreement in place over personal terms for a move, dating back to the 2025 interest.

The Seagulls stood firm that the Cameroonian wasn't for sale on the back of an impressive season in the Premier League. However, the 22-year-old's campaign last term was less impressive which could subsequently change Brighton's stance if a club comes knocking.

Meanwhile, Berge is at the other end of his twenties at 28 and has just completed his second season at Fulham. The Norwegian has played 103 Premier League matches over the past three campaigns, having signed for the Cottagers from Burnley in 2024.

Long-term manager Marco Silva left Craven Cottage earlier this summer to join Benfica and it is expected that former Real Madrid boss Alvaro Arbeloa will be taking over in the dugout.

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