West Ham are currently in negotiations with Southampton surrounding Mateus Fernandes, it’s been reported by ExWHUEmployee.

As has been reported previously, the highly rated Saints midfielder is considered a top target for Graham Potter, however at present valuations are said to be far apart.

Providing an update on The West Ham Way Patreon, our insider Ex advised that there is a growing sense that talks could well drag on with the talks described as ‘tough’.

“West Ham have indirectly confirmed that a bid has been submitted to Southampton for  Mateus Fernandes,” stated Ex. “This is something that we exclusively revealed would happen and then confirmed had.

“Whilst the top source said initially ‘That he couldn’t disclose the terms of the deal’ – he did then admit that ‘Negotiations are hard and our valuations are very distant.’

“This is something that has been said about this deal for a long time and I think this is something that could drag out for a while.

“With the usual tactic of perhaps exploring other alternative targets as well.

“This strategy worked well with Mads Hermansen so it will be interesting to see if the same can happen here.”