Manchester United have received a major boost in their pursuit of midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with The Athletic reporting that the 21-year-old is "expected to be sold" by West Ham this summer—even if the Hammers manage to secure their Premier League survival.

Fernandes only joined West Ham eight months ago in a £38 million switch from Southampton, but his time in London appears to be coming to a premature end. According to The Athletic's Irons correspondent Roshane Thomas, the Portuguese playmaker will be on the move regardless of West Ham's final league position, making him a prime target for top clubs across Europe.

The young midfielder has caught the eye of several elite sides despite being involved in two consecutive relegation battles. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with a summer swoop, with Champions League finalists PSG the latest to join the race. Fernandes has yet to indicate where his future may lie, but his impressive performances in a struggling side have made him one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League.

West Ham's league status will play a key role in determining the fee they can command. Nuno Espirito Santo's side currently sit two points above 17th-placed Tottenham Hotspur heading into the final two fixtures of the campaign. The Hammers face Newcastle United and Leeds United—matches that, on paper, look less daunting than their relegation rivals' run-ins. But if West Ham fail to beat the drop, they may be forced to accept a significantly lower fee to secure a quick financial boost and keep the player satisfied.

Fernandes will be hoping to play a pivotal role in West Ham's survival bid over the final two games, knowing these could be his last appearances for the club. For Manchester United and their rivals, the summer transfer window just got a lot more interesting.