Liverpool have been in talks with the representatives of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes over a potential summer move to Anfield.

As Claret & Hugh covered last night, Arne Slot’s side — who’ve had a proper shocker of a season after winning the title — are desperate to sort out their underperforming midfield. Fernandes has stood out for West Ham even in a struggling team since arriving from Southampton, and now Liverpool fancy him.

Jorge Mendes is involved, so let’s be honest, players getting touted around isn’t exactly a shock. But the bit that’s properly wound me up is this rumoured £55 million fee. Are they having a laugh?

Why £55m for Mateus Fernandes is an insult to West Ham

We shelled out nearly £40m to bring the Portuguese midfielder in from Southampton, and there’s a sell-on clause in there too.

At £55m we wouldn’t be seeing much profit at all after everyone takes their cut.

The reality is Liverpool seem to think they can just rock up and nick arguably our best...