Southampton have poured cold water on Mateus Fernandes' speculated £30m price and seem prepared to play hardball over selling him.
Discussions around Mateus Fernandes have been going in full flow, and recently, Southampton fans pleaded him to reject any Leeds United approach in the future. And for good reasons too, as neither the player is guaranteed a longer Premier League stay there nor the club will pocket a significant transfer fee.
Now, moving to other options like Crystal Palace and Nottingham Forest, they would certainly tempt Mateus Fernandes. But can any of them satisfy Southampton's financial demands remains the big question.
Actually, an official opening bid will suggest how much the rival Premier League clubs are willing to splash on Fernandes. But Southampton's stance is becoming clear now and it isn't a transfer friendly one from the surface.
Southampton aren't keen to undersell Mateus Fernandes
As quoted by the Daily Echo: "A potential £30m price tag was laughed off on Friday, with another quick-witted source quipping: 'His hair is worth £30m'."
Hence, the writing about a hardball negotiation is pretty much on the wall. Fair enough, this is how most fans want Southampton to act during player sales.
It's no secret that last summer was a horrible one in terms of signings, so the few players Southampton got right, they must show their resistance in letting them leave. Plus, the Saints know that Fernandes will now be viewed as Championship material after relegation, so, it's probably the midfielder's lowest valuation on the back of a star making campaign.
All things considered, Southampton must try accelerating other player exits instead of Mateus and Tyler Dibling fits that bill. Not as consistent as the Portuguese but can command hefty transfer offers only because the winger's market has a shortage of flair playmakers.
Regarding Mateus, Southampton has a strong hold of the negotiating table and a sale shouldn't be the priority.