Real Madrid's hierarchy are reportedly resigned to defeat in this summer's transfer race for Mateus Fernandes and expect the West Ham midfielder to join Manchester United.
Fernandes further established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in English football last season, despite West Ham suffering relegation from the Premier League. The highly rated 21-year-old – who chipped in with three goals and four assists in the top flight – looks certain to have played his last match for the Irons, with top teams from across Europe battling for his signature.
Though Hammers shareholder Daniel Kretinsky insists the club are under no pressure to cash in on Fernandes, it's understood a bid in the region of £80 million would be enough to prise the Portugal international away from the London Stadium.
Mourinho's Madrid step back
According to The Sun, while newly appointed Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is known to be an admirer, Bernabeu bosses now 'expect' Fernandes to sign for United. It's claimed Madrid are unlikely to make an approach given United's move for Fernandes is already at an 'advanced' stage.
Arsenal are also said to have cooled their pursuit of Fernandes, instead focusing their attentions on Bournemouth and England central midfielder Alex Scott ahead of the summer transfer window – which opens on Monday.
United's midfield rebuild
Fernandes is believed to have jumped to the top of United's shortlist in central midfield after it became clear Elliot Anderson was leaning towards noisy neighbours Manchester City. Should they decide to sell, the relegated Hammers stand to make a tidy profit on Fernandes, who arrived in east London from Southampton in a £38 million deal just 12 months ago.
Fernandes – who has reportedly won the approval of United captain Bruno Fernandes – could be set to follow Ederson to Old Trafford after an agreement worth £35 million was struck with Atalanta for the sought-after Brazil midfielder. Manuel Ugarte, meanwhile, is expected to make way after a desperately disappointing spell at the Theatre of Dreams, just two years on from a high-profile £42 million switch from Paris Saint-Germain.
Role model Bruno
Facing the media back in March, Fernandes talked up the impact his fellow countryman and namesake at United had on his early career when they shared a dressing room at Sporting. When asked to name his midfield role model, Mateus Fernandes said: 'Perhaps the biggest reference is Bruno because of the player he is.
'It's not just now, back in my Sporting days he was someone I looked up to and tried to learn from. He plays in the same league as me. He's currently one of the players with the most international caps for the national team, with a lot of experience, also at the Premier League level. So, I look up to him a lot.
'Any midfielder on the national team is also an example for me; they all have a lot of quality, but without a doubt, Bruno stands out among the midfielders here.'
Fernandes' current contract with West Ham is not due to expire until June 2030.
