West Ham close in on £40m deal for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes

West Ham United have reached an agreement worth more than £40m to sign Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Sport360NG reports.

The 21-year-old Portugal Under-21 international has been cleared to travel to London for a medical and is poised to become one of the Hammers’ most expensive acquisitions, ranking only behind Lucas Paquetá (£51m) and Sébastien Haller (£45m).

The move represents a significant lift for manager Graham Potter, who has come under pressure after opening the season with three consecutive defeats across all competitions.

Southampton, meanwhile, are set to cash in handsomely on Fernandes, having secured his services from Sporting CP for £15m just last summer. He has made 46 appearances for the Saints, contributing four goals and seven assists.

West Ham are also on the verge of adding further midfield reinforcements, with Monaco’s Soungoutou Magassa expected to join in a £17.3m deal. The 21-year-old France Under-21 international is due to undergo a medical on Thursday.