Man Utd identify new Bruno Fernandes replacement target

Cameron Smith

• 23 Mar 2026 06:01 CDT
• 5 min read

News

Manchester United are reportedly set to rival Aston Villa for the signing of Everton midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall this summer amid concerns that Bruno Fernandes may depart the club.

Fernandes, 31, has two years remaining on his current contract at Old Trafford and despite the Red Devils’ desire for him to extend his stay in Manchester, he continues to be linked with an exit.

As a result, the 13-time Premier League champions have been forced to scour the transfer market for potential replacements, with England duo Cole Palmer and Morgan Rogers both linked with a blockbuster switch in recent months.

However, both players are likely to cost in excess of €100 million and Man Utd have now identified Dewsbury-Hall as an alternative, as per a report from Spanish publication Fichajes.

It’s claimed that Michael Carrick has personally recommended the signing of Dewsbury-Hall, with the 27-year-old having enjoyed an eye-catching debut season at Everton following his arrival from Chelsea for a fee of €28.7m.

The former Leicester City star has scored six goals and provided three assists in 24 Premier League appearances so far this season, and Carrick reportedly believes the Englishman would be an astute addition to his Man Utd team if he is appointed as the new permanent boss this summer.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall transfer update

Despite Man Utd’s reported interest in Dewsbury-Hall, it’s claimed that Aston Villa are also eager to finalise a deal for the 27-year-old.

Unai Emery’s side could be in the market for a new attacking midfielder if the aforementioned Rogers departs and they are closely monitoring Dewsbury-Hall’s progress ahead of a potential summer bid.

However, Everton have no intention of selling the Englishman after just one season and they are therefore expected to demand a hefty transfer fee to even contemplate a deal.

Meanwhile, it’s reported that Dewsbury-Hall’s performances for the remainder of the season could prove crucial to a potential summer transfer, despite the fact that his current contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium isn’t due to expire until 2030.

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