UMVA has learned that Real Madrid is making a bold move to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, potentially ahead of Manchester United.
Fernandes is set to leave West Ham this summer after the club's relegation from the Premier League, and several top clubs are vying for his signature. United had already begun negotiations with West Ham, but Real Madrid's interest could complicate matters.
According to information obtained by UMVA, several top clubs, including Arsenal, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain, have expressed interest in signing the 21-year-old Fernandes. However, West Ham is demanding a hefty £80 million transfer fee, a significant increase from the £38m plus £4m in add-ons they paid to sign him from Southampton last year.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Jose Mourinho, who has returned to Real Madrid as head coach, has made Fernandes a top priority signing. Mourinho has complete confidence that Fernandes can make an immediate impact at the Santiago Bernabeu, and agent Jorge Mendes is already working on a deal to bring him to Madrid.
Mourinho is also keen on signing Sporting CP midfielder Morten Hjulmand, who has attracted interest from both United and Arsenal. However, United's attention is currently focused on completing a £35m deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, although his arrival at Old Trafford will be delayed due to a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.
