Jose Mourinho shock for Manchester United? Real Madrid want Mateus Fernandes hijacked
Agent Jorge Mendes is likely to be used by Mourinho to ensure the West Ham midfielder chooses his club over United, who made the first move for the midfielder’s signature
Manchester United, looking to bolster their midfield for European competition, are reportedly interested in West Ham's Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the club potentially seeking up to three midfield signings. While initial reports suggested West Ham might sell Manuel Ugarte to fund Fernandes's estimated £85 million transfer, the possibility of West Ham's relegation could lower the asking price, despite the 21-year-old having four years remaining on his contract. Adding a new contender, newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is also said to be interested in Fernandes, leveraging his representation by Jorge Mendes, who also manages Mourinho, to potentially orchestrate a transfer despite ongoing talks between the English clubs.
Manchester United, looking to bolster their midfield for European competition, are reportedly interested in West Ham's Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the club potentially seeking up to three midfield signings. While initial reports suggested West Ham might sell Manuel Ugarte to fund Fernandes's estimated £85 million transfer, the possibility of West Ham's relegation could lower the asking price, despite the 21-year-old having four years remaining on his contract. Adding a new contender, newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is also said to be interested in Fernandes, leveraging his representation by Jorge Mendes, who also manages Mourinho, to potentially orchestrate a transfer despite ongoing talks between the English clubs.
Manchester United, looking to bolster their midfield for European competition, are reportedly interested in West Ham's Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the club potentially seeking up to three midfield signings. While initial reports suggested West Ham might sell Manuel Ugarte to fund Fernandes's estimated £85 million transfer, the possibility of West Ham's relegation could lower the asking price, despite the 21-year-old having four years remaining on his contract. Adding a new contender, newly appointed Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is also said to be interested in Fernandes, leveraging his representation by Jorge Mendes, who also manages Mourinho, to potentially orchestrate a transfer despite ongoing talks between the English clubs.
Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United is a renowned midfielder who is being tracked by Michael Carrick's Manchester United. The Portuguese midfielder is central to United's plans, as they are open to roping in as many as three midfield signings in light of the club's return to European competition.
Uruguayan Manuel Ugarte will be sold this summer to raise the funds needed for Fernandes's signing, reports had said, as the 21-year-old could cost around £85 million. However, West Ham getting relegated is a factor that could ideally work in United’s favour as the asking price could come down, despite the 21-year-old having four years left on his current deal.
Meanwhile, the newly appointed José Mourinho is reportedly interested in bringing Mateus Fernandes to Real Madrid, a new report has said. Despite club-to-club talks having started between the two English clubs, Mourinho hopes Real's brand name and resources could plot and execute a hijack. The deal is yet to reach advanced stages, further bolstering his hopes.
Jorge Mendes of Portugal-based Gestifute represents both Mourinho and Fernandes, and the veteran manager may pull some strings to make this connection work in his favour, GiveMeSport said in a report. "Man Utd have always had a good relationship with Mendes, but with Mourinho and Real Madrid now firmly in the race, they must ensure they can get an agreement in place with player and club as quickly as possible or face missing out on another top target," the report said.
Though playing as a central midfielder is his preferred role, the Portuguese can also operate as a CDM or CAM if needed. His ball-carrying skills and progressive passing are highly rated, along with his skill in contributing to the team's quick transitions from defence to attack.