14 August 2023 , 15:57
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Manchester United will listen to offers of £6million for defender Alvaro Fernandez with six clubs monitoring his situation – including West Ham and Burnley.
Fernandez, who spent last season on loan at Preston in the Championship, has been involved in pre-season training for United. The 20-year-old had been likely to go out on loan once again this season, while Ten Hag had wanted a closer look at the Spaniard to evaluate his progress.
The 20-year-old joined the Red Devils from Real Madrid back in 2020 but he has yet to make a competitive appearance for United's first team. After more than 40 appearances in Premier League 2, though, he secured a loan move to Preston – where he provided six assists – a year ago to give him a taste of senior football.
The former Spain Under-19 international impressed during a season at Deepdale in which he made 42 appearances. His pathway to United’s first-team is difficult due to the presence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia, while Brandon Williams remains at Old Trafford and Diogo Dalot can play left-back.
United are considering cashing-in on Fernandez permanently, although believe he has a long-term future at the top end of the game. The club would be keen to add a buyback clause in any sale, while they will not rule out a loan deal.
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They value the Spaniard at £6million and are aware of interest in his signature. Premier League duo West Ham and Burnley are both monitoring his situation, while Relevo report how four other clubs – three of them from Spain – are also tracking Fernandez.
Newly-promoted duo Granada Las Palmas are both interested in a deal, while Espanyol – who are aiming for promotion at the first attempt following a shock relegation from the Spanish top-flight – are also keen. Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt are also credited with an interest.
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Fernandez has impressed in pre-season for Man United (PA)Fernandez has one year remaining on his Old Trafford contract and the club have an option to extend that arrangement by a further year. There is no rush on United’s behalf to offload the player, but will not block his path to first-team football.
However, United would be keen to retain an option on his future due to the potential they believe he possesses. Erik ten Hag has promoted Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo to United’s first-team squad, while Hannibal Mejbri is also set for first-team involvement this campaign.