Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, and according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs, the 21-year-old's exit from the London Stadium hinges on one crucial factor: Premier League survival.

The Red Devils are gearing up for a major midfield overhaul this summer. With Casemiro's contract winding down in May and Manuel Ugarte struggling to find his rhythm, United's engine room is in desperate need of fresh energy. Kobbie Mainoo—fresh off signing a new five-year deal and scoring the winner against Liverpool—is currently the only midfielder guaranteed a long-term future at Old Trafford.

That means at least two new faces are expected through the doors at Old Trafford this summer, potentially three if a buyer emerges for Ugarte. The primary target remains Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, though Manchester City are leading that race. Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, and Adam Wharton are also on the radar.

Enter Mateus Fernandes: a box-to-box dynamo who's quickly climbing United's shortlist. His compatriot and namesake, Bruno Fernandes, is said to be a huge admirer of the youngster's game. West Ham have previously labeled the former Sporting CP star a "cornerstone" of their project, vowing not to sell even if relegated.

But Jacobs pours cold water on that hardline stance. "As reported last month, Mateus Fernandes is on Manchester United's list of midfield options. Expected to be sold if West Ham go down," the talkSPORT reporter reveals.

That's a major boost for United, especially after Tottenham's 2-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend tightened the relegation battle. Fernandes could be the perfect addition to a midfield rebuild that's shaping up to define United's summer—and potentially their season.