With West Ham dropping to the Championship, they were always going to have to run the risk of losing their star players.

Matheus Fernandes was one of the shining lights of the Hammers' poor prem season, scoring 5 goals, putting on 4 assists and making 40 appearances for the club from midfield.

Why are West Ham forced to sell?

Parachute payments won't be enough for the Hammers still needing to recoup more than £100 million in player sales this summer to ensure falling in line with strict financial regulations.

Because Fernandes is one of their best assets, he might need to be resold to stop any more money-related trouble.

While the Hammers are understandably desperate to keep hold of their star man, the owners might want to cash in on the 21-year-old now.

Arsenal, PSG, and Manchester United Lead the Chase

Unsurprisingly, Fernandes’ breakout performances have attracted the attention of Europe's elite clubs, but the Irons won’t be budging from their £80m asking price.

United look to strengthen their midfield with the Portuguese starlet but will have to battle it out with Champions League finalists Arsenal and PSG.

If any club does get his signature around the valuation West Ham want it'll be the highest sale from a Championship club ever. PSG already have a massive Portuguese influence in their spine and the highest ceiling so on paper they look like the best fit for him to get back into future Portugal selections.

International Heartbreak for the Hammers Star

It has been a bittersweet period for the young midfielder, who experienced double disappointment right at the end of the campaign.

On top of the pain of suffering relegation on the final day of the prem season, Fernandes was also left out of the Portugal squad for the World Cup by manager Roberto Martinez.

Missing out on the flight to the tournament was a tough pill to swallow, especially since this season saw him make his senior international debut for Portugal.

His performances in a struggling West Ham side showed he can cut it at the very highest level so a move probably looks on the cards.

The race for his signature is expected to heat up quickly as the summer window opens. While West Ham don't have much room for negotiations, they will only do business if a top club matches their £80m valuation.

Whether he lands in Manchester, North London, or Paris, Fernandes looks destined to be playing top-flight football next season.