Manchester United have reportedly been scouting West Ham star Mateus Fernandes ahead of a summer where they will overhaul their midfield. United are known to be scouring the market for midfielders and it seems that Fernandes has been added to their shortlist of options.

The club are certain to be in the market for at least one central midfielder once the summer transfer window opens afterCasemiro announced he will be leaving Old Trafford upon the expiry of his contract in June. There has also been speculation this season over both Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo, with the former linked with a move to Saudi Arabia and the latter to Napoli.

United have been credited with an interest in Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton, Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, Al-Hilal's Ruben Neves and Bournemouth's Tyler Adams. And now talkSPORT notes they have scouted Fernandes, who will seek to leave West Ham if they are relegated.

Fernandes only joined the Hammers in a £42million deal from Southampton in the summer following the Saints' relegation from the Premier League. It seems that the 21-year-old has no appetite for playing in the Championship, having contributed three goals and three assists in 27 Premier League games this season.

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The central midfielder could be keen on a move to Old Trafford, given his appreciation for United captain Bruno Fernandes, who - like him - previously played for Sporting Lisbon.

Asked by the club website for his inspirations this week, he replied: “Bruno Fernandes, Adrien Silva and Daniel Bragança. They all represented Sporting, and I looked up to them when I was in the academy ranks.” He also chose United's captain when asked to name his top three opponents.

And asked for his career ambitions, Fernandes said: “To play at the World Cup with Portugal, to win the World Cup with Portugal and to be champions of the Premier League. You have to aim high!”

Much will depend on who United opt to appoint as their new manager in the summer. Michael Carrick is only on a contract as interim boss until the end of the season, after replacing Ruben Amorim in January.

The former midfielder has put forward a strong case for the full-time role, but United executives, including chief executive Omar Berrada and football director Jason Wilcox, will wait until the off-season before making their call.

United spent over £200m on players in the summer, but focused on other areas with attackers Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo arriving, along with goalkeeper Senne Lammens. With Casemiro leaving on a free transfer this summer, it means midfield will become the focus this time around.

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