Manchester United is about to make a bid for M. Fernandes, reportedly willing to pay up to £65 million. The truth behind their pursuit of a Ligue 1 defensive midfielder has been revealed.

Manchester United has given up on pursuing Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson. The club now has two primary targets: West Ham's Matheus Fernandes and Bournemouth's Alex Scott. The 21-year-old M. Fernandes is United's first pick. He won't be playing in the World Cup, so the transfer won't be impacted.

Manchester United is expected to submit a bid in the next few days. Transfer specialist Ben Jacobs stated: "M. Fernandes's future will be determined within this month. United has already started negotiations with the player's camp. Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also shown interest, while Real Madrid is the latest club to join the race. West Ham wants at least double the £38 million plus £4 million in add-ons they originally paid, but despite this valuation, the player's move seems almost inevitable."

He predicts that United is unlikely to land both M. Fernandes and Scott, as each is currently valued at £80 million. Unless there is a significant price drop, the chances of both joining are slim, even though both have proven themselves in the Premier League and are ideal candidates.

M. Fernandes has already promised United that the club is his preferred destination. West Ham's asking price ranges between £80 million and £85 million, but United believes £50 million to £60 million is more reasonable. According to "Football Insider," due to the numerous clubs reportedly interested in M. Fernandes, coupled with Nottingham Forest's £125 million valuation for Elliot Anderson, an increase in M. Fernandes's transfer fee may be unavoidable.

It is said that Manchester United is willing to pay up to £65 million (€75 million) to secure the Portuguese talent. If necessary, M. Fernandes himself may push for the move, just as he did last year when he left Southampton for West Ham. At that time, he insisted on the transfer, telling the Saints' board that he wanted to play in a top league rather than the Championship. He stated his ambition to be selected for Portugal's World Cup squad, a goal he ultimately failed to achieve, but his long-term objectives remain unchanged.

Southampton owner Dragan Solak confirmed: "Last summer, we realized we couldn't keep M. Fernandes. When he told me the reason he couldn't stay, I was really sad. He said to me: 'If I keep playing for Southampton, I will never get a chance to play for Portugal.' I said: 'Okay, then there's nothing we can do.' After that, I asked for a reasonable transfer fee, and if the price was right, I would let him go."

West Ham, relegated to the Championship, will have to sell players to raise between £100 million and £150 million to cover financial losses. M. Fernandes is one of their most valuable assets. If the player demands a departure, West Ham's bargaining power will decrease, and United might acquire him at a more suitable price.

French media reports suggest Manchester United is also considering a move for Lens' midfield powerhouse Mamadou Sangare, and may even have prepared a bid. "Foot Mercato" claims United has been deeply impressed by Sangare's performances. The 23-year-old Malian left-footer was a key figure in Lens' runner-up finish in Ligue 1 and their French Cup victory, earning a spot in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.

Last summer, Lens signed him from Rapid Vienna for €8 million. Now, his price tag is at least £35 million (€40 million). It is reported that United has already held talks with the player and is willing to offer a five-year contract with a weekly wage of £130,000, which the player is happy to accept.

Sangare is said to be a player admired by Manchester United's transfer director Christopher Vivell. However, this rumor currently comes only from France, and its credibility is questionable. Ben Jacobs said: "I have no information, and I cannot confirm or deny the rumors linking United with Sangare."

Manchester United's goal for next season is to challenge for the Premier League title. If they only sign two midfielders who have never played in the Premier League, it would be difficult for them to immediately fill the void left by Casemiro's departure. Therefore, the Red Devils will definitely acquire a midfielder who has proven himself in the Premier League.