Real Madrid target wants to join United but Jorge Mendes is playing mind games behind the scenes – report

Manchester United are working on signing Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. However, the pursuit of the Portuguese sensation is unlikely to be as straightforward as it was in the case of Ederson. In recent days, the likes of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been linked with Fernandes. However, a report suggests there is nothing for United fans, especially on social media, to panic about. West Ham hoping for a bidding war According to club insider Sully, super agent Jorge Mendes is leading the negotiations for Mateus Fernandes, who looks set to depart West Ham United following their relegation to the Championship. It is claimed a number of clubs, including Napoli and Aston Villa, are interested in Fernandes. However, they are reportedly not serious contenders for his signature. The Mateus Fernandes current state of play. Hopefully this will clear up some of the panic and confusion in the past days. pic.twitter.com/1ecVb7A0TF — Sully (@SullyTalkz) June 7, 2026 West Ham, who have slapped an £80 million price tag on his head, aim to generate as much money as possible. This explains the reports coming out from their side regarding the widespread interest, which Sully believes to be “overexaggerated”. Mateus Fernandes keen on Manchester United move As far as the 21-year-old is concerned, he wants to join Manchester United. “From the people I’ve spoke to close to his camp, the feeling is he personally prefers a move to Manchester United,” Sully writes. However, unlike in the case of Bryan Mbeumo last summer, Fernandes’ preference has not come out publicly because the idea of multiple clubs chasing the technically gifted midfielder puts Mendes in a strong negotiating position. United, meanwhile, do not intend to panic or overpay for the player, who is admired by Carrick and “nearly every department at the club (data, scouting and recruitment).” It is understood INEOS would not meet West Ham’s asking price and are prepared to play waiting game. The Hammers find themselves in a financial predicament and are in desperate need to raise cash through major sales. Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Vishal Singh Vishal has worked in the football media industry for over six years, planning, writing, and editing content for several major outlets, including North Star Network. Vishal has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature from Delhi University. Currently a writer at The Peoples Person, he covers Manchester United — a club he has been religiously following and supporting since 2012. Vishal also manages a leading MUFC fan page, The Red Devils, on Facebook with over a million likes. Big fan of ball-playing centre-backs and Harry Maguire’s knee-slide celebration!