How West Ham feel about Potter after Fernandes agreement, £60m double swoop imminent

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TBR Football understands that West Ham have agreed terms in principle for Mateus Fernandes.

As exclusively revealed by TBR Football earlier this month, West Ham had re-engaged in talks with Southampton over a deal.

The Hammers had been looking to bring in at least two midfielders this week, and they are now close to doing just that.

Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassa has passed his medical at West Ham and is expected to complete his move on Thursday, and the hope is that Fernandes could join him before the weekend.

TBR Football understands that the Irons were considering a move for Aleix Garcia, but prioritised Magassa and Fernandes, with the pair keen to make the switch to the London Stadium.

A deal worth around £41 million has now been agreed between West Ham and Southampton.

Exclusive: West Ham agree deal for Mateus Fernandes

TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey exclusively revealed that the approximately £60 million outlay on new midfielders is a sign of the Irons backing Graham Potter despite the intense criticism.

“Graham Potter is under pressure, but the club are still backing him to this point – he really feels Mateus Fernandes could be a key signing for him. I am told he has made it clear to owner David Sullivan, and that is why this is progressing.

“The club backed him over the goalkeeper, which they are already looking to move on from, but this is a huge deal. £40m is a lot of money for West Ham.

“Indeed, nearly £60m is being spent with Magassa too, and that is a huge undertaking for Sullivan – but these two players are both on Potter and his staff.”

West Ham saw their opening offer rejected for Magassa on Saturday, but the improved offer of £17.3 million was accepted by Monaco.

The Hammers also saw an opening offer of £30 million rejected for Fernandes, but after pivoting away from reported targets such as Harvey Elliott, who was deemed too expensive, the club have now decided to meet Southampton’s demands.

Following a report from TBR Football in June, which stated that West Ham need to sell players before the 1 September deadline to free up funds for further additions, it appears David Sullivan is prepared to bring out the chequebook to back his manager.

Graham Potter is under pressure at West Ham

TBR Football exclusively revealed that Sullivan has given Potter two matches to turn things around at West Ham.

The 5-1 loss against Chelsea at the London Stadium, following the 3-0 defeat against newly promoted Sunderland on the opening day, has ramped up the pressure.

Furthermore, a Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Wolves, who are also expected to struggle in the Premier League this season following significant sales, has prompted the board to take action.

Although Sullivan is contemplating sacking Potter if the results do not improve, the impending arrivals of Fernandes and Magassa suggest that the Hammers still have faith in the manager’s ability to resurrect his fortunes.