Leeds United target Mateus Fernandes responds when asked if he will be staying at Southampton

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Leeds United will need to start formulating their transfers this window in what will be a busy summer.

Daniel Farke will be in charge in terms of finding the right targets, and the 49ers will provide the tools they need to make it happen.

It’s been made clear that Leeds are changing their transfer approach after the news dropped that a £150m transfer budget is in line to be spent.

One target that could use a chunk of that money is Mateus Fernandes, as the midfielder could be seeking a return to the top flight after Southampton’s dismal Premier League campaign.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	38	2	6	30	26	86	-60	12

Fernandes has been labelled a ‘number one priority’, but how does the midfielder feel about his future amid Leeds’ interest?

Leeds United target Mateus Fernandes responds to future

The midfielder certainly caught the eye in the top flight last season, which is difficult when you play for such a poor side.

Fernandes arrived on the south coast for £15m from Sporting Lisbon, and now Southampton want £30m to double their profit.

Well, the 20-year-old will know he’s more than capable of a return to the Premier League, and as a young player, he might see a move to Leeds as the best for his career.

But when asked about staying at the club, Fernandes gave an interesting answer to the Saints’ club media.

“I have a contract with Southampton, so I think so,” Fernandes said.

“The next season will be different, I hope. Maybe we can play much better and win many, many games.

“We will work for that, train for that, and I think we can do much better than this year.”

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How Fernandes’ Premier League season compares to Brenden Aaronson’s at Leeds

With the Whites hoping to create a team fit for the Premier League, the Portuguese playmaker certainly fits into this category.

Farke is in desperate need of a number ten after concerns have been raised over Brenden Aaronson, and if the American struggles in the Championship, his fortunes in the top flight don’t look promising.

Target Gustavo Hamer trumps Aaronson when it comes to their times in the Premier League, but how does Fernandes fare?

It’s a fairly close battle, but when you take into account the team Fernandes has played in compared to Aaronson, it’s a stark contrast.

His duels in that position are what stand out, alongside his ability to create chances out of nothing, which is something Leeds can rely on next campaign.

With the midfielder hinting at staying, it hands disappointing news to Leeds, but plenty can change in the coming months.