Man United told West Ham could accept £70m offer for Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United have set their sights on a move to sign West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes after missing out on Elliot Anderson.

Michael Carrick's side have dropped out of the race to sign Anderson after it became clear that Man City are leading the race, while his asking price was too high.

However, there is a feeling that Fernandes could be more affordable for United despite West Ham's initial value doubling the £42million they paid Southampton last year.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Fernandes could leave West Ham for a lower fee of around £70million this summer.

Man United are believed to be keeping a close eye on the Portugal international and feel that price tag would be achievable as they aim to bolster their midfield.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson looks set to arrive at Old Trafford in the near future, and work is now ongoing to sign a new midfield partner for the Brazilian.

Football Insider previously revealed that Man United could step up their efforts to sign Fernandes after West Ham suffered relegation from the Premier League.

Dropping into the second tier has made it difficult for the Hammers to keep hold of their best players, and placed interested parties on high alert.

After backing out of their interest in Anderson, Fernandes has now emerged as a leading target ranks highly on their shortlist of midfield options.

Speakig on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Forest want that British record fee of £125 million. Man United won’t be in contention to match those figures.

"The deal for Ederson is pretty much agreed, and then obviously they have got interest in the likes of Mateus Fernandes.

"His fee is expected to be a bit more reasonable, they could get it done at probably around £70m for that type of transfer target.

"So United have decided they've moved on from their interest in Elliot Anderson because they won't meet that Forest asking price."

Despite United hoping to agree a slightly lower fee, West Ham have placed a huge asking price on Fernandes ahead of the summer transfer window.

A price tag of around £84million has been set by the London Stadium hierarchy as they are extremely reluctant to lose any of their best players despite suffering relegation.

However, former Hammers scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Fernandes is still likely to leave West Ham and they may be forced to accept a lower bid.

Southampton faced a similar issue last summer, when West Ham capitalised as the midfielder was not keen to play in the Championship with the Saints.

As a result, there is a feeling his asking price will drop towards the end of the window, when a deal may become more achievable for Man United and his other suitors.