Man Utd receive Matheus Fernandes update as transfer moves one step closer

View 2 Images

Mateus Fernandes' chances of joining Manchester United this summer have diminished following Real Madrid's presidential election . Florentino Perez kept his position at the helm of Los Blancos on Sunday after a commanding victory over rival Enrique Riquelme.

As a consequence, Jose Mourinho is set to make his Bernabeu return once he leaves Benfica. The former Old Trafford chief is widely tipped to push forward with a bid for Fernandes amid reports he holds his Portuguese compatriot in high regard .

Fernandes, 21, has been linked with a London Stadium departure in the wake of West Ham's Premier League relegation. His exit appears more a question of when rather than if considering the calibre of clubs reportedly pursuing his services.

Regrettably for United, Real's involvement will complicate proceedings should they genuinely be intent on securing the playmaker. Continental players rarely reject the irresistible pull of the Bernabeu, even with Real emerging from a season without silverware.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

West Ham are reportedly demanding as much as £80million should they part with Fernandes this summer. That said, any ultimate fee could prove considerably lower given the Hammers' more precarious circumstances following relegation.

Mourinho, 63, is poised to depart Benfica and return to Real's dugout 13 years after his initial tenure concluded in acrimonious fashion. He will succeed Alvaro Arbeloa, who struggled to deliver results last season after taking over from Xabi Alonso midway through the campaign.

Real already possess some of the world's finest midfielders, including a pair rumoured to feature on United's wish list. Both Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde have been linked with switches to Old Trafford following their training ground altercation earlier this season .

View 2 Images

Perez has, however, indicated both players will stay at Real after receiving fines and disciplinary action . Even so, the club has been tipped to pursue Fernandes should Mourinho be appointed to the top job.

This development suggests Michael Carrick may need to explore alternative targets in his search for midfield additions. United are close to securing Atalanta's Ederson as reinforcement with key figure Casemiro set to depart.

Further midfield reinforcements are thought to be on the cards amid growing uncertainty surrounding Manuel Ugarte's prospects at the club. The Uruguayan has been touted for an Old Trafford departure and could be offloaded for as little as half the £50m United splashed out on him in 2024.

Fernandes holds additional allure in this summer's transfer window given his absence from Portugal's squad for World Cup 2026. This affords greater flexibility to fast-track his move from West Ham, though the youngster may opt to bide his time and gauge whether Real follow through on their interest before determining his next move.