Man Utd can land £80m transfer boost this weekend as Real Madrid set to issue major update

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Mateus Fernandes' transfer destiny could hinge on events this weekend as Manchester United monitor the outcome of Real Madrid 's presidential election. The result of that ballot could prove decisive in establishing whether or not Los Blancos enter the running for the West Ham star.

Fernandes, 21, is arguably the most coveted asset set to be offloaded by the Hammers in the wake of their Premier League relegation. It's almost certain the Portugal international will depart the London Stadium before the summer concludes given he is clearly far too talented for the Championship.

That said, it is by no means guaranteed Real will be among those clubs vying for his services. Instead, the Spanish giants are only anticipated to pursue a deal if Florentino Perez secures the presidency following Sunday's announcement.

Perez, 79, has already confirmed ex-United boss Jose Mourinho will make his Bernabeu comeback if he is re-elected to the role he has occupied since 2009. Spanish reports suggest 'The Special One' is keen on a move for £80million-rated Fernandes should he be given the green light to succeed Alvaro Arbeloa.

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That valuation reflects the calibre of the young midfielder . And while his club believe he could command a substantial fee, they may not receive bids quite that elevated given rivals are aware the club finds itself in somewhat of a financial predicament following relegation.

AS reported Mourinho "wants Fernandes" and the club is already working behind the scenes to deliver on his wishes. However, Sunday's election means the club must delay any firm action until after the vote has taken place.

Perez's challenger for the Real presidency is Enrique Riquelme, who is already planning his own transfer strategy should he succeed in ousting the current leader. Alongside discussing a potential swoop for Erling Haaland , the Spanish energy tycoon has indicated he could also pursue a deal for Manchester City team-mate Rodri.

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The former Atletico Madrid star has established himself as one of the most highly regarded midfielders in world football and claimed the Ballon d'Or in 2024. And according to Riquelme, discussions have already taken place regarding a possible switch.

"We spoke with Rodri's agent," the presidential candidate recently told AS. "I know perfectly well that we then have to talk to City, I said that yesterday.

"Rodri's circumstances are different from Haaland's, but we have to talk to City. We have the utmost respect for the club." Clearly, any pursuit of Rodri would likely render a potential deal for West Ham's Fernandes largely redundant. Much of that, however, will hinge on who Riquelme chooses to install as Real's manager should he take the reins.

Real won't be Fernandes' only suitors this summer, with Paris Saint-Germain also reportedly keen on the midfielder. Nevertheless, it would certainly bolster United's prospects of landing the youngster if the club widely regarded as the most powerful on the planet were to withdraw from the running.