Man Utd’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes could be complicated by former manager Jose Mourinho, according to reports in Spain.
AS claim that the new Real Madrid head coach is a fan of the Portuguese international, and he has put him on a “list” of targets he would like president Florentino Perez to sign.
Fernandes could well be one of the most in-demand midfielders on the market this summer, as it looks like other clubs are also keen on securing his signature.
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AS name Liverpool and Arsenal as potential suitors for the 21-year-old, who is valued at £80m by West Ham.
Fernandes has had an impressive season
Speaking after the midfielder was called up by Portugal’s senior team for the first time back in March, Hammers head coach Nuno Espirito Santo said:
“Hopefully, he can help the national team. I’m very, very happy for him. He deserves it. He’s having a fantastic season, he works hard, and he’s very talented and disciplined.”
Despite being given his first cap against the USA a couple of months ago, Fernandes was not included in Portugal’s squad for the World Cup.
Man Utd will need to move fast to sign the midfielder
It has been reported by several sources that the Red Devils have already contacted West Ham to discuss a price for Fernandes, although no formal bid has been made at this stage.
With Real Madrid and other teams circling, Director of Football Jason Wilcox would be wise to begin negotiations as soon as possible to head off interest from elsewhere.
If the Irons do stick to their £80m asking price, it may delay a deal from going ahead, but the hope would be that they will eventually lower their demands and sell for a more reasonable fee.
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