Mateus Fernandes is almost certainly on his way out of Southampton after the Saints were relegated from the Premier League. Anchored to the bottom of the table with just 12 points after 38 matches, the club will be spending next season at least in the Championship.
That will inevitably see exits, and Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are all interested in Fernandes, as reported by Sunday’s edition of A Bola.
The Portuguese newspaper report that whilst some claims have put Southampton’s asking price at around €35m, in reality the Saints are looking for a much higher figure.
Sporting CP are said to be watching the situation very closely, because they’re entitled to 10% of the profit from a transfer as part of the deal they agreed to sell him to Southampton in the first place.
Whether Leeds United, Nottingham Forest or Crystal Palace will even entertain such figures is questionable. It feels like a very hefty asking price from Southampton for the 20-year-old.
Mateus Fernandes is currently away with Portugal’s U21 squad at the Euros, and the Saints will hope he shines.
