Southampton FC backed to set £30m transfer demand for "classy" ace eyed by Nottingham Forest | OneFootball

FLW's Southampton fan pundit has given his verdict on Nottingham Forest's interest in Mateus Fernandes

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Mateus Fernandes’ future at Southampton is up in the air this summer amid interest from Nottingham Forest.

According to The Telegraph, the Reds are eyeing a move for the 20-year-old following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

Fernandes joined the club last summer in a deal worth a reported £15 million, per the BBC.

The playmaker has made 34 appearances in the Premier League so far this season, contributing two goals and three assists.

Fernandes is one of few players to have impressed on the south coast, and both his age and performances mean interest in his signature should really come as little surprise.

Mateus Fernandes, Southampton transfer price tag claim

When asked about Forest’s interest in Fernandes, FLW’s Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, claimed that an offer around the £30 million mark might be enough to convince the club to sell.

He believes the Portuguese player is beloved by supporters, and has been the team’s shining light this season, but expects him to be a good fit in Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad if he moves.

“Mateus Fernandes is a brilliant player, by the way,” Sanders told Football League World.

“He’s been Saints’ shining light in a terrible season, really.

“He’s a really classy midfielder, really good on the ball, a real battler, he works hard, he has been so good that when he was taken off last weekend at King Power Stadium the Southampton fans sang his name for 30 minutes remaining in the game because they love him that much.

“He’s been our best outfield player.

“He’s not scored loads of goals, he’s scored three goals in 40 appearances, he’s made 40 appearances across all competitions, he’s got five assists.

“His pass completion rate is very good, he is young, he needs to score more goals, probably. I think he’d suit Forest.

“I think he’d get a move. We paid £15 million for him, so if they can get anything of £30 million upwards they’ll sell him I would imagine.

“He’d fit a side like Forest that works hard, that runs a lot, where people will get stuck in. I think he’s a good fit for it.”

Mateus Fernandes sale at Southampton FC would be no surprise

Fernandes and Tyler Dibling have been two of the standout talents for Southampton this season, so it’s no surprise they’re two of the names being linked with moves away.

A consequence of relegation is always going to see Premier League teams look to take their most promising talent, but getting £30 million for Fernandes could be reasonable compensation.

At only 20, the player is still young enough to develop into a top talent at that level, so it wouldn’t be surprising if more clubs took a look at him for that kind of fee.

A move to Forest would also potentially be a very exciting step up for Fernandes, with the club having earned qualification for European competition next season.