Hope 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 Sporting CP last year for £15m ($20m) when they were in the Premier League, 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 Sunderland and Chelsea, 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 Portugal Under-21 international, whose current contract with the Championship 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 Monaco midfielder Soungoutou Magassi, 21, for around £17m ($23m). The France Under-21 international is expected to have a medical on Thursday.