Manchester United are leading the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham. The midfielder also has interest from Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain, but the strongest early moves have come from United as they look to boost Michael Carrick’s squad.

West Ham hope to receive £80m for Fernandes, although they may face financial pressure to drop their asking price after their relegation from the Premier League. The club lost £104.2m last year and need to raise more than £100m in transfer sales this summer.

Fernandes, who joined West Ham from Southampton for £38m last summer, is one of their biggest assets and has caught the eye of a host of top clubs. United are keen to bolster their midfield after Casemiro’s departure on a free transfer and have already signed Éderson from Atalanta.

It is believed United are Fernandes’s likeliest destination if he moves to another English club. However, sources have cautioned that there could be a push from Madrid, who have just reappointed José Mourinho as their manager. United will be wary of missing out on Fernandes to their former coach.

Arsenal are thought to feel that West Ham’s asking price for Fernandes is too high. There is more confidence around United. They have been keen on Elliot Anderson but are likely to be outbid by Manchester City for the England and Nottingham Forest midfielder. Fernandes is more within their price range.

West Ham are expected to lose a host of top talent after dropping into the Championship. There is plenty of interest in Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who could be in even bigger demand if he impresses for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Taty Castellanos, the Argentinian striker, is an option for Everton.