Michael Carrick and Crisencio Somerville (Photo by Alex Livesey, Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Manchester United have reportedly begun considering a double transfer for West Ham United stars Matheus Fernandes and Crisencio Somerville.
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The Red Devils have identified the Hammers duo as key targets, with some talks apparently already taking place.
However, according to the Daily Mail, West Ham are seeking up to £140m for the pair, while Man United are aiming for less.
Fernandes and Somerville could make a big contribution to Michael Carrick’s United side, but it remains to be seen whether they are truly worth the £140m price tag.
Manchester United aim to attack West Ham
It is no surprise that West Ham face a battle to retain their star names following their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.
Fernandes looks to be a particularly impressive player for the East Londoners despite a disappointing season, with The Times recently noting that his signature could cost around £80m, with United seen as favorites to sign him.
That probably means West Ham are asking £60m for Somerville, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re worth the money.
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While Fernandes was highly visible as an elite young talent, Somerville only managed seven goals and two assists from wide in the just-ended season, far from the numbers that would justify a £60m transfer fee.
The Dutchman could do better in a strong team with good players around him, but it also looks like a gamble on a position that MUFC don’t even want to strengthen.
United acquired a completely new front three last summer with the signings of Matheus Cunha, Brian Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesco, so they are better off focusing their efforts elsewhere than spending big bucks on players who aren’t necessarily even likely to start regularly.
