Juventus eye Southampton FC player - he isn't their primary target though | OneFootball

Mateus Fernandes is attracting a number of suitors this summer following Southampton's relegation from the Premier League

Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a potential transfer target for Juventus this summer.

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Portuguese is on the Serie A club’s radar as they look to bolster their midfield options for next season.

Fernandes joined the Saints last summer, and was a standout player for the side as they suffered relegation from the Premier League.

The 20-year-old featured 36 times in the top flight, contributing two goals and four assists, following his move from Sporting last summer.

Juventus join Fernandes race

It was reported by Mercado last weekend that the likes of Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace are keen on the player.

It has been claimed that it will cost as much as €35.5 (£30.4) million to convince Southampton to cash in on the player.

It is also now understood that Juventus are among the clubs monitoring the player following the Saints’ relegation to the Championship.

However, it’s believed that their primary target is Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, with Atalanta midfielder Ederson also a preferred option. It’s been reported that the deal for Tonali is looking unlikely at this stage, and that the Brazilian could be available for around €60 to 65 (£51.3 to 55.6) million.

Fernandes has a contract with Southampton until the summer of 2029.

Fernandes’ Southampton performances

While Southampton struggled in the Premier League, Fernandes still showed he was capable of competing at a top flight level.

The Saints finished bottom of the table, but the Portuguese proved a standout figure under both Russell Martin and Ivan Juric.

Relegation to the Championship has led to uncertainty over his future at St. Mary’s, with a number of clubs now circling.

But it remains to be seen whether anyone can match Southampton’s asking price for the 20-year-old.

Juventus move could be appealing for Fernandes

If Juve are unable to sign Tonali or Ederson, then Fernandes could be a solid option to bolster Igor Tudor's side.

The Southampton player is able to play a bit further forward, but he has a lot of the same skill sets, and is only 20, so it’s no surprise he’s on their radar.

Fernandes is also likely to be on the market at a cheaper rate than Tonali or Ederson, so this is a move that could come to fruition if there’s interest.

It’s also been reported that Juventus could look to strike a loan deal for the player, but it remains to be seen whether the Saints would sanction such a move without some obligation to buy attached.