Real Madrid and Manchester United Battle for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes

Real Madrid has made an enquiry into the availability of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, intensifying the competition for the 21-year-old, who is also a top target for Manchester United, according to sources. The Premier League club remains the frontrunner to secure the Portugal Under-21 international, with officials hopeful of advancing talks before rival interest escalates.

Fernandes has impressed since joining West Ham, recording three goals and four assists in a challenging Premier League season that ended in relegation for the Hammers. His composure, technical ability, and capacity to control play from central midfield have marked him as one of English football’s most promising young talents.

Manchester United, led by manager Michael Carrick, sees Fernandes as an ideal fit for their system, offering both defensive stability and attacking creativity. The club is preparing its first bid and has held productive discussions with the player’s representatives, aiming to move quickly to secure a long-term asset. However, they are aware of growing interest from other European clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid, under new manager Jose Mourinho, has made a fresh approach in the past 48 hours as part of a midfield revamp. The Spanish giants have also considered moves for Manchester City’s Rodri and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, but Fernandes is now a serious option. West Ham values the midfielder at around £80 million and is under no immediate pressure to sell, despite relegation, though financial realities may necessitate a sale to fund a promotion push from the Championship.

The coming days are expected to be pivotal as the first concrete offer arrives, with both clubs eager to strengthen their midfields ahead of the new season.