Manchester United<\/a> are now readying an opening offer for a midfielder who’s a “nightmare to play against”, and he could be brought in as an alternative to West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n You’d perhaps expect West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League<\/a> to weaken their negotiating position when it comes to keeping hold of Fernandes, but transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed they are refusing to drop their lofty asking price of \u00a385m<\/a>.<\/p>\n A deal for the Portuguese midfielder would still be less expensive than signing Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson<\/a> though, as Evangelos Marinakis is demanding a fixed fee in excess of \u00a3120m for the ex-Newcastle United man, who is set to represent England at the World Cup.<\/p>\n In fact, the West Ham maestro is now confident<\/a> he will be completing a move to Old Trafford this summer, as he has admirers behind the scenes at United, but there will be competition for his signature, with the likes of Liverpool<\/a> and Chelsea<\/a> recently opening talks.<\/p>\n Should United miss out on Fernandes for any reason, such as his price tag being too high, or a rival Premier League club swooping in, they will need to sign an alternative, and they are now poised to make a move for a Ligue 1 star.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis, RC Lens midfielder Mamadou Sangare<\/a> has “caught the eye” of Manchester United, and INEOS are now “preparing an offer” to ensure they win the race for his signature, amid widespread interest.<\/p>\n Over a dozen clubs are said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old, but Lens are yet to receive a formal bid, which indicates the Red Devils could be looking to swoop in before anyone else.<\/p>\n Bence Bocsak<\/a> has suggested the Malian could be a good fit for the Premier League, which bodes well, with the journalist saying: “He\u2019s a decent ball carrier. Has great speed and acceleration both with and without the ball.<\/em><\/p>\n “That speed also enables him to press effectively and make frequent interceptions by racing ahead of his opponents to seize a pass intended for them. He\u2019s the type of player who is a nightmare to play against. <\/em><\/p>\n “At 23-years-old I think he\u2019s the type of profile who would thrive in the Premier League in the future.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n West Ham playing hardball over Mateus Fernandes<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n\n Man Utd preparing an offer for midfield “nightmare”<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n
![\"mainoo-man-utd\"](\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mainoo-man-utd.jpg?q=49&fit=crop&w=220&h=124&dpr=2\"\/)
<\/p>\n