Manchester United are gearing up to submit an opening offer of approximately £65 million for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to Sky Sports.

The 21-year-old has emerged as a key target for Michael Carrick as United push ahead with a midfield rebuild. Fernandes made his international debut for Portugal earlier this year and has previously cited Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes as a personal role model.

Anderson pursuit cools

United have stepped back from a move for Elliot Anderson after Nottingham Forest placed a British record asking price on the England midfielder. Forest turned down an opening bid of £106 million from Manchester City for Anderson, signalling their determination to retain him at a sky-high valuation.

West Ham's relegation opens door

West Ham's drop from the Premier League has made Fernandes a more realistic target, though the Hammers are still holding out for a substantial fee. The East Londoners are understood to be seeking around double the £38 million they paid Southampton for the Portuguese talent last summer — a figure in the region of £76 million.

Journalist Steve Kay reports that United will table an opening bid of £65 million, with the club hopeful that the offer will be enough to prompt West Ham into serious negotiations. The Hammers are reported to need to generate approximately £150 million in transfer income following their relegation from the Premier League.

Fernandes himself is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford, a factor that could prove decisive as both clubs negotiate the terms of a potential deal.