According to Mick Brown via Football Insider, Crystal Palace are plotting a move for relegated Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. While Aston Villa and West Ham United have also shown interest in the Portuguese youth international, the Eagles have now entered the race and are pushing hard to secure his signature.
Fernandes joined the Saints last summer from Sporting CP. While he couldn’t help them stay in the Premier League, he was one of their standout performers last season, and his work certainly didn’t go unnoticed.
Multiple top clubs want to sign the 20-year-old, and Southampton are aware that they will struggle to keep hold of him, having failed to stay up. They value him at around £25 million, and it could prove to be a bargain fee for clubs like Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and West Ham United, who are all interested in his services.
Reports earlier suggested that Villa and the Hammers have been monitoring him for some time and are gearing up to make a move for him. Meanwhile, the Eagles have entered the race, and their scouts are keeping a close eye on the Portuguese youth international.
While speaking to Football Insider about Fernandes’ future, the former United scout said: “Matheus Fernandes is a target for a number of teams,”
“One of those is Crystal Palace, who were keeping an eye on his performances this season.
“This is how Palace like to do their business, looking for talented players who haven’t quite got that star status and could come into their team and show what they can do.
“They assess the best talent from the relegated sides and Championship sides who they feel can push on a bit more in the right setting.
“Fernandes is one of those, he’s clearly a talented player and could be better in a better side.
“Palace scouts have been keeping an eye on him and they’ll know all about what he can do.
“The manager wants to strengthen his squad because they’re going to be playing in Europe and it’s important to have depth all over the pitch.
“So I’m expecting them to be busy, and Fernandes could be one they go for.”
Having secured a place in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup, Oliver Glasner is now focused on strengthening his squad. Palace have a track record of identifying young talent from relegated sides and the Championship, and Fernandes appears to be their latest target.
The Eagles believe the 20-year-old Portuguese midfielder has the potential to become a key figure in their setup and are ready to invest in him. Having scouted him closely, they’re confident in what he can bring to the table.
Fernandes could prove to be a valuable addition thanks to his versatility, his ability on the ball and his massive potential. However, with West Ham and Aston Villa also in the race, Palace will have to move swiftly to win the battle for his signature.
