Fernandes may end up at West Ham

Portugal Under-21 midfielder Manuel Fernandes has spent the last season on loan in the Premiership at Portsmouth and Everton, while the player is desperate for a permanent move Benfica has slapped a stiff asking price on the talented midfielder. It appears West Ham may provide the home the player desperately seeks.

Apparently impressed with Fernandes’s performances in the U-21 Championships, it appears that the 12m pound price tag on the player may be negotiated for a permanent move. Fernandes was impressive on loan to Everton, but neither Harry Redknapp or David Moyes were willing to meet the asking price.

The asking price problem for the player stems from issues relating to his ownership by a third party, a a trend becoming more common and less appealing every day.

"I'm back at Benfica now, it's finished for me in England. I enjoyed it, it was a great experience." – Fernandes

Not so fast, then. Upton Park may yet sign a player deserving a place in a Premiership midfield.