Manchester United are in active negotiations to sign Matheus Fernandes amid praise from Roy Keane

Manchester United are currently in active negotiations to sign the “incredible” Premier League star, of whom former midfielder Roy Keane is known to be a big fan.

Manchester United continue search for new midfielder

Ederson became the first signing of the Michael Carrick era, and despite securing Ederson’s contract, Man United are still on the hunt for a new midfielder and are in contention with Manchester City to sign Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson.

However, Ben Jacobs suggested that a deal for the England international was unlikely, saying: “Manchester United see Elliott Anderson as a dream target, but I don’t think they will be involved in a bidding war unless they sign the player first.

“The cost of the contract, plus Anderson’s sentiment in favor of #MCFC, means Manchester United are moving towards other targets at the moment.”

In fact, signing the 23-year-old could fetch a huge amount of money, with manager Fabrizio Romano revealing that Man City are currently making a huge offer.

United may therefore have to move on to other targets, with journalist Chris Winterburn expecting to sign the West Ham United star, saying: “I think Manchester United will end up signing Matheus Fernandes. I think he is one of the three midfield players the club are looking to sign.”

“My understanding of the situation was that they needed two players to improve the depth of their midfield, complement Koby Mainu well, and be able to start in games where Mainu needs rest or wants to change things up a bit.”

Latest information on Manchester United’s acquisition of Matheus Fernandes

There has been a further update on Manchester United’s interest in Fernandes, with journalist Ben Jacobs revealing that they are in active negotiations to sign the Portugal international as Anderson’s price is considered too high.

But signing the West Ham midfielder would also be an expensive move, with Nuno’s side valuing him at £85m despite suffering relegation from the Premier League last season.

AFC Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Valves also remain in the slot, with the Red Devils clearly keen to sign a proven Premier League midfielder.

Fernandes played 36 Premier League games for West Ham last season, scoring three goals and providing four assists, earning him praise from manager Simon Rask. “He has an incredible attitude to get better. So he can only use this to get better.”

Keane is also known to be a huge admirer of the 21-year-old, naming him one of the best midfielders in the league and claiming he is a better player than fellow targets Scott, Baleva and the departing Casemiro.

Read next: Man United in contract talks with Premier League midfielder