CL giants on alert as United go all out to sign “incredible” star, told to pay 69m to seal the deal – report

Manchester United are going head-to-head with Real Madrid for the signature of Mateus Fernandes. Fernandes only joined West Ham United from Southampton last year, but the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship has all but sealed his fate away from east London. However, West Ham are demanding a significant fee for their midfield gem, and understandably so, given his immense potential and a growing list of high-profile suitors. Battle on between Manchester United and Real Madrid It has been widely reported that Mateus Fernandes‘ preferred destination is Manchester United despite interest from Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain. However, in recent days, Real Madrid have entered the picture, with Jose Mourinho believed to be keen on signing the Portuguese midfielder. According to Spanish publication AS (via Sport Witness), Mourinho has identified Fernandes and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez as priority midfield targets.  It is claimed West Ham have made the 21-year-old available on the market, but Real’s “main obstacle” for his services is United, who are making a “strong push” to sign him. AS states West Ham are demanding €80 million (£69.2m) for the technically gifted and tenacious number eight. This is an interesting update, given the British press has continuously reported that the Championship side wants around £80m (€92.3m).  Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7 Source: Sofascore Fernandes is currently not part of Portugal’s World Cup squad despite earning plaudits from head coach Roberto Martinez. “Regarding Mateus Fernandes, what he’s doing now is incredible,” Martinez said at a press conference in March. Real Madrid willing to offload Aurelien Tchouameni Should United miss out on Fernandes to Real, they might end up landing one of their “dream” midfield targets in Aurelien Tchouameni. Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Mourinho favours Fernandes over Tchouameni. Accordingly, the potential sale of the French defensive midfielder is viewed as an ideal solution in the Spanish capital, given it would also strengthen their budget to hand Mourinho the players he wants for his second stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. 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!