Real Madrid are preparing a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, the £80m-rated Portugal star who is also on Manchester United’s radar, as incoming manager Jose Mourinho looks to bring the 21-year-old to the Bernabeu.
Mourinho, who previously coached Fernandes at Roma, is keen to reunite with the player, according to Spanish newspaper AS. Chelsea have also shown interest in Fernandes, but West Ham are in no rush to sell the midfielder, Sky Sports reports.
“Real Madrid target Mateus Fernandes, valued at £80m, as Jose Mourinho eyes West Ham star.”
Manchester United, meanwhile, are exploring a deal for Fernandes but now face competition from Real Madrid. The Old Trafford club are also chasing Newcastle’s versatile 21-year-old defender Lewis Hall, Teamtalk reports, while co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to meet the wage demands of Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, according to the Mirror. However, Manchester City remain the frontrunners for Anderson, the Star reports.
In other moves, Manchester United are considering a surprise approach for 35-year-old Leeds goalkeeper Karl Darlow, with Altay Bayindir set to leave Old Trafford, Talksport reports.
Real Madrid have also scouted Arsenal and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori, 24, who played under Mourinho at Roma, Sky Sports reports. Tottenham are considering Juventus defender Gleison Bremer, 29, to replace Cristian Romero, according to Tuttosport.
Fulham are weighing up whether to trigger the £8m release clause of Ipswich head coach Kieran McKenna to replace Marco Silva, Talksport reports, while Leicester are in talks with former Southampton boss Russell Martin, according to the Leicester Mercury.
The battle for Mateus Fernandes now adds another layer to a busy summer window, with Manchester United needing to fend off Real Madrid's interest to secure one of their top targets.