CL juggernaut launches hijack of United’s move for midfield monster despite Wilcox flying in for talks – report

Manchester United’s plan to sign Mateus Fernandes is set to be rocked by Real Madrid’s latest decision, according to a report from Spain. Midfield Maestro Fernandes, 21, has enjoyed a superb debut campaign for West Ham United, despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side being unable to stave off relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 season. 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 The Portugal international, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Seleção das Quinas’ squad for the World Cup, is an all-action dynamo, capable of playing across a variety of roles in midfield. Signed from Southampton last year for £42 million after the Saints faced the same descent into the Championship, West Ham are demanding around double that price this summer to part with their prized asset. The Hammers need to generate up to £150 million to cope with the effects of relegation. Fernandes is their most valuable asset, though flying full-back El Hadji Malick Diouf and Jarrod Bowen are other high-profile candidates to leave. Southampton included a 15% sell-on clause in the deal, further emboldening West Ham’s stance to drive the price as high as possible amid interest from a host of top clubs, including the Red Devils. Eyed by Europe’s Elite Fabrizio Romano reveals United’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have held talks with Fernandes’ camp to assess the viability of a deal, while one inside source even claims club-to-club negotiations are underway. A £39 million deal has already been struck for Atalanta and Brazil enforcer Ederson, though the 26-year-old’s late call-up by Carlo Ancelotti will likely delay official completion of the move. United are intent on signing at least one more midfielder, with a third expected to arrive should Manuel Ugarte be sold. Fernandes appears the leading target at present, given pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni have proven unfeasible. However, United are not alone in their admiration of the Olhão native, with Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain having both made advances. But Real Madrid have now stormed into the race as a late addition after José Mourinho was confirmed to be returning to the Bernabéu. Spanish outlet AS (as relayed by Sport Witness) claims Fernandes is a priority for Mourinho as the ‘Special One’ wants to inject more “commitment” into Real’s squad. Both parties share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, who is said to be working to help Los Blancos hijack United’s move, with the report concluding that Fernandes is now one of Real’s “top targets” and a “deal is underway”. Final Thoughts A Portuguese midfielder being chased, influenced by a trifecta of Jorge Mendes, José Mourinho and the allure of Real Madrid, is a difficult one for any club—even one the size of Manchester United—to compete with. However, sources at Old Trafford believe Mendes is playing up interest to extract a better deal for his client. There is understood to be confidence close to negotiations that Fernandes is most likely to become a Red Devil this summer, which would explain why INEOS are marching forward with a deal, despite West Ham’s exorbitant demands and the threat of hijack from the Spanish capital. 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 Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.