Hope for West Ham? Troubled Hammers agree £40m transfer after wretched start to season

Troubled West Ham have reportedly agreed a deal upwards of £40 million for Southampton star Mateus Fernandes as they try to kickstart their season.

Hope for West Ham? Troubled Hammers agree £40m transfer after wretched start to seasonHope for West Ham? Troubled Hammers agree £40m transfer after wretched start to seasonHope for West Ham? Troubled Hammers agree £40m transfer after wretched start to season

According to BBC Sport, West Ham have agreed a deal in excess of £40m ($54m) for the 21-year-old, who has been granted permission to travel for a medical in London. The midfielder joined Saints from last year for £15m ($20m) when they were in the , and since then, he has scored four goals and added seven assists in 46 games.

West Ham have had the worst possible start to the season, losing heavily to and , and then being dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Wolves in midweek. Pressure is mounting on head coach Graham Potter, fans have criticised the club for a perceived lack of signings, and some players have been slammed for being old and slow. But signing Fernandes, among others, could be the boost that they need.

The Under-21 international, whose current contract with the side runs until 2029, would become West Ham’s third-biggest signing, behind Sebastien Haller and Lucas Paqueta – who cost £45m ($60.8m) and £51m ($69m) respectively.

In addition to trying to sign Fernandes before the September 1 transfer deadline, the BBC adds that West Ham are hoping to recruit midfielder Soungoutou Magassi, 21, for around £17m ($23m). The Under-21 international is expected to have a medical on Thursday.