M fee's preference for Manchester United revealed, transfer fee likely to rise. The English midfield powerhouse is also willing to join.

Manchester United abandoned the race with Manchester City for Elliott Anderson because the 23-year-old England midfield regular is too costly. Nottingham Forest turned down a £120 million offer from City. Additionally, Anderson leans toward a move to City, and United seeks players who are more willing to commit to their cause. West Ham's Matheus Fernandes fits that description.

According to British media "Offside Insight," M fee wants his next club to offer him a significant role and be part of an ambitious long-term project. Despite growing interest from top European clubs—including Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and PSG—all linked with him, United is seen as one of the strongest contenders because they value him most.

Two people at Manchester United have great influence on M fee: captain Bruno Fernandes, his idol, and sporting director Jason Wilcox, who worked with him at Southampton. "TEAMtalk" reports that Wilcox personally contacted M fee's agent team to discuss a potential transfer.

Transfer expert Graeme Bailey said: "Manchester United believe they have a significant advantage in the race for M fee, thanks to Wilcox. Before leaving Southampton, he finalized M fee's transfer from Sporting Lisbon to St Mary's. Wilcox sees M fee's potential to become a top Premier League midfielder. Even after leaving the Saints, he still highly rates him."

"This appreciation has now turned into concrete action. United is assessing their midfield recruitment needs this summer, and M fee is considered one of the best options," Bailey added. "Wilcox's lobbying has helped United solidify their position. The club believes that if it comes down to the player's choice, United will be hard to beat. United's confidence stems not only from Wilcox's relationship with Fernandes but also from the future plans presented to him, promising to make him a cornerstone of the next generation."

However, due to Nottingham Forest's asking price for Anderson and interest from other clubs in M fee, West Ham may not easily lower their £85 million valuation.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "Manchester United are still keen on M fee, but more clubs have joined the race. Mourinho mentioned his name to Real Madrid yesterday, along with other Premier League clubs. West Ham's asking price is £85 million."

British Sky Sports reports that West Ham are in no rush to sell M fee despite their financial needs. They view him as another Declan Rice and will demand a staggering transfer fee to let him go. Although relegated to the Championship, the Hammers are not worried about raising the £150 million needed for financial stability.

"The Athletic's" David Ornstein reports that M fee is not the only player interested in joining Manchester United. Bournemouth's England U-21 international Alex Scott is also willing to be part of Carrick's rebuilding project. United have contacted Bournemouth to inquire about the 22-year-old Scott, but the Cherries hope to extend his contract.

Scott's contract with Bournemouth runs until 2028, and a renewal seems unlikely. However, acquiring him won't be easy. Bournemouth, now in Europe, will demand an £80 million transfer fee. Moreover, he has attracted interest from clubs beyond just United.