Manchester United making ‘strong push’ for signing – Battle is now on

Manchester United and Real Madrid are battling for West Ham United‘s Mateus Fernandes this summer.

The Red Devils have identified him as one of the top midfielder targets. New Real Madrid manager José Mourinho also wants the West Ham United star.

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that he’s working on snatching the midfielder from Manchester United’s clutches.

West Ham invested over £40m [€46,1m] to sign the Portuguese from Southampton last August. He could be on the move again, especially after the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.

Manchester United threat for Real Madrid 

The La Liga giants have signed Bernardo Silva, Marc Cucurella and Ibrahima Konaté, and are working on more signings.

That’s according to Friday’s edition of AS, which states José Mourinho wants a new centre-back and a midfielder.

For the latter, the manager has identified the West Ham United player and Chelsea star Enzo Fernández as targets.

Los Blancos are aware signing the Argentine will be expensive and complex. Therefore, Mourinho’s side are focusing on Mateus Fernandes, and his signing would be the ‘finishing touch’ to the manager’s new project.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have made the player available on the market after their relegation.

This should make it relatively easy for Real Madrid, but AS warns them about Michael Carrick’s side.

The ‘main obstacle’ for Real Madrid is Manchester United, who are making a ‘strong push’ to sign him.

AS states West Ham are demanding €80m while the British press claims their price is £80m [€92.3m]. Southampton have a 15% sell-on clause.

Jorge Mendes, who took Mourinho and Silva to Real Madrid, represents Fernandes. The super-agent also has very close ties with Manchester United. He will have a major role in deciding the midfielder’s next club.

Tottenham join race for West Ham man 

Late on Thursday, The Athletic’s David Ornstein reported Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on Mateus Fernandes.

AS haven’t taken Spurs into account and Real Madrid face a double threat from the Premier League.

He has a contract until 2030, and Transfermarkt value him at €50m. Fernandes has five goals and five assists from 42 matches this season.