REAL MADRID expect Manchester United to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
Arsenal have cooled their interest in Fernandes, who has also been linked with Madrid following the return of Jose Mourinho as coach.
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Mateus Fernandes is likely to leave West Ham with Man Utd leading the race Credit: Getty
Real Madrid expect Fernandes to head to Old Trafford this summer Credit: Getty
But Madrid are not expected to make a formal approach for Fernandes as United’s interest is already advanced.
JattvibeSport revealed on Friday that United are now the frontrunners to buy Fernandes.
Fernandes, 21, is at the top of United’s shortlist of Premier League midfielders after Elliot Anderson favoured a move to Manchester City.
West Ham value Fernandes at £80million but United hope to strike a compromise following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.
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United may have to be patient to conclude a deal for Fernandes amid substantial upheaval at the London Stadium.
David Sullivan resigned as West Ham co-chair earlier this month.
Investigations by BBC Panorama and The Times detailed allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by Sullivan.
Sullivan, 77, said he “categorically” denies the claims.
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Fernandes played against United in February Credit: PA
Royal Mail owner Daniel Kretinsky is about to become West Ham’s biggest shareholder but it is unclear if manager Nuno Espirito Santo will remain in charge.
Fernandes joined West Ham from relegated Southampton for £38m last summer and missed out on a place in Portugal’s World Cup squad, having made his debut in March.
United’s interest in Fernandes highlights further backing for director of football Jason Wilcox, who tracked the midfielder when he led recruitment at Southampton.
Wilcox left Southampton for United in April 2024 and Fernandes moved to St Mary’s from Sporting Lisbon for £15m four months later.
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If Fernandes completes a transfer to United, he will become the first player West Ham have sold to the club since Paul Ince in 1989.
United were interested in Declan Rice but never tabled a formal offer for the England international before his £105m switch to Arsenal in 2023.
Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes, represents Fernandes and he could become the third of his clients to move to United within the past two years.
United brought in Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte, their two most expensive signings, in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Real Madrid were working on a deal to sign the 18-year-old Yoro before United gazumped them with an offer that totalled almost £60m.
United are keen to sell Ugarte this summer as part of their midfield overhaul. The club have already agreed to sign Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta for £35m.
Bernardo Silva, who is also one of Mendes’s clients, has agreed to join Real Madrid after his Manchester City contract expires.
