Manchester United have been boosted after it was confirmed that West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes really wants to join, with Fabrizio Romano issuing the latest update on the deal.

Man United have already secured the first puzzle piece of their midfield rebuild, with Ederson set to complete a move to Old Trafford after the World Cup after the Red Devils reached a full agreement with Atalanta and the player over a potential five-year contract.

Now, club chiefs have turned their attentions to bringing in a second midfielder to join the Brazilian at the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, with Manuel Ugarte expected to follow Casemiro through the exit door this summer.

United need more quality and depth to support Kobbie Mainoo, and their recent focus has been on completing a deal for Fernandes following West Ham’s relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old is in demand among top clubs in Europe following his displays for the Hammers and Southampton across the past two seasons, with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Arsenal and Liverpool some of the clubs who have shown an interest in the Portugal international.

Fernandes appears to have his next move clear in his head though.

Romano: Fernandes ‘Very Keen’ to Join Man United

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Romano previously confirmed that ‘official’ talks have begun between United and the player’s representatives, including Jorge Mendes, over a summer switch, as they prepare to make a first offer for the 21-year-old.

It appears as though the Red Devils can rest easy on one part of the deal, with Fernandes said to be ‘very keen’ to make the move to Old Trafford, with separate reports stating that he is ‘desperate’ to link up with compatriot and United skipper Bruno Fernandes.

The main issue will be agreeing a fee with West Ham, who are in no mood to sell their prized asset even though they have just been relegated to England’s second tier, with £100m their ideal price for him.

Issuing the latest on a move via his YouTube channel in the early hours of Wednesday morning, Romano said:

“Manchester United are in direct contact with the player’s camp, and the player is very keen on a move to Manchester United. So, the discussions on player side are going well with the player and with his camp.

“Now it depends on the club-to-club. In this case, West Ham stopped at £85m valuation for Mateus Fernandes. Ideally, they wanted £100m, but the expectation is that they could close the deal around £85m, but not less than that.

“Manchester United’s initial discussion with those taking care of the deal is under £85m. Man United want to spend less than this. So, there is a conversation, there is a negotiation.”

Man United Consider £120m Double Transfer Raid

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Fernandes isn’t the only West Ham player that United are considering making a move for this summer, with confirmed interest in winger Crysencio Summerville too.

The Netherlands international enjoyed a positive campaign at the London Stadium and then announced himself on the world scene with an impressive goal in his nation’s 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening 2026 World Cup group game.

The Telegraph claim that the Red Devils are considering making a £120m double move for the Irons duo, as they look to bolster two key positions on their summer wishlist.

A much-loved UFC fighter has been urged to ‘wrap up’ his career after losing at the White House during UFC Freedom 250.

The landmark event on the South Lawn of the Washington DC property boasted a seven-fight card, with every bout ending inside the distance.

Justin Gaethje stunned Ilia Topuria in the main event to end a career-long wait to claim undisputed lightweight gold, delivering the Georgian-Spaniard his first career loss.

The UFC White House Card Saw Some Career-Defining Results

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Elsewhere, there was a devastating stoppage defeat for Brazilian superstar Alex Pereira, who fell short in his bid to become a three-weight world champion in his interim UFC heavyweight title fight with Ciryl Gane.

Despite the big setbacks they were dealt at the White House, both Topuria and Pereira are expected to be able to come back and be competitive at championship level again, though.

Credit: Zuffa LLC

However, other beaten fighters on the card have a lot more to think about following their losses.

Heavyweight veteran Derrick Lewis lost to rising star Josh Hokit in the second round of their clash at Freedom 250. The 41-year-old slugger has now lost two consecutive fights by stoppage and looked particularly ineffective against Hokit. Some have already called for ‘The Black Beast’ to consider his future after his defeat on Sunday.

‘Wrap It Up” – UFC Veteran Begged to Consider Retirement After Freedom 250

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For one losing fighter on the show, though, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen believes the end of the road has already arrived.

After his defeat at the hands of Mauricio Ruffy at the White House, former lightweight title challenger Michael Chandler has now lost six of his last eight fights inside the Octagon.

Even more concerningly, he has lost three of his last four bouts inside the distance. At UFC Freedom 250 against Ruffy, Chandler looked particularly ineffective.

There were rumours leading into the card that Chandler may hang up his gloves if he lost the fight, although ‘Iron Mike’ has made no comment on his future in the aftermath of his defeat.

Sonnen, though, was quick to take to Twitter/X and advise Chandler to call time on his career.

“Great career. Let’s wrap it up,” begged Sonnen.

Chandler debuted in the UFC in January 2021, but has only won a single fight since his opening night victory over Dan Hooker. He was slated to fight Irish Superstar Conor McGregor in June 2024, before that fight fell apart due to injury.

Ever since, Chandler has insisted that he still believes that the McGregor fight could happen for him in the future. However, after such a poor run of form, it may be in his best interests to step away from the Octagon as Sonnen has suggested.

Aston Villa are reportedly ready to spend big in order to sign a Manchester United star in the summer transfer window.

Aston Villa and Manchester United have had multiple dealings over the last few years in terms of transfers. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho have both spent spells on loan at Villa Park from United, but neither player was signed permanently after their temporary moves.

Both Sancho and Rashford endured inconsistent spells at Villa, although they did show signs of being smart additions for the Midlands club.

It’s now an important summer transfer window approaching for Villa as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.

Aston Villa Plot Big Deal

According to a report from Sports Boom, Aston Villa are interested in signing Manchester United forward Rashford in the summer transfer window.

It is believed that Villa are prepared to spend big to land the England international, with Unai Emery identifying him as a leading target.

Emery believes Rashford has what it takes to elevate them to the next level, and he looks increasingly likely to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Rashford, described as outstanding by former Liverpool goalkeeper David James, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but they opted against signing him on a permanent deal.

One deterrent for Villa could be his reported £325,000-a-week salary, so he may have to reduce his wage demands.

Rashford Offers Something Different for Villa

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Rashford offers something Villa do not currently have in wide areas. The Manchester United forward is a player who loves to run in behind, stretch the defence, and stay out wide.

Emery often uses wide players who drift into central areas, but Rashford is a different profile that can be hugely beneficial in certain games.

Emery could certainly do with having some of the profile of Rashford in Europe, especially when coming up against stronger sides who are likely to dominate possession.

Rashford is deadly in transition, and that could be a key reason why Villa are pushing to secure his signature.