Man Utd set to miss out on signing Portuguese star

Manchester United look set to miss out on signing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes due to the hefty transfer valuation.

The Portuguese had a good individual season with the Hammers, but he is expected to leave following their Championship relegation.

A move to Old Trafford has been repeatedly mentioned, but it seems unlikely that United will pay anywhere near the Hammers' asking price.

United are only prepared to pay £40m for the 21-year-old midfielder, while the Hammers are reluctant to sell him for anything less than £80m.

Despite their relegation to the second tier, the Hammers are in a strong negotiating position, with no release clause in the player's contract.

They are prepared to play hardball in negotiations until a club is prepared to pay closer to their asking price for the former Sporting CP graduate.

With United aiming to bring in three midfielders in the same transfer window, they may explore alternative options in the coming weeks.