Manchester United have received a major transfer boost with Mateus Fernandes' preference being a move to Old Trafford this summer, according to journalist Shaun Connolly.
Man United's interest in the West Ham United midfielder has been well-publicised, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that the Red Devils have held talks with the £85m-rated Portugal international's representatives this week over a summer switch.
United chiefs are still looking to secure more midfield reinforcements even after agreeing a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta, with that move expected to be finalised in July once the Brazilian has completed a medical.
Should Manuel Ugarte join Casemiro in leaving the club during the summer transfer window, then the club could look to add two more midfielders to the squad after Ederson.
One key target appears to be Fernandes, with many teams sensing an opportunity to land him following West Ham's relegation to the Championship.
The 21-year-old didn't want to play in England's second tier last year after he suffered the same fate with Southampton, and it is likely to be the same situation this time around at a time when he has just picked up his first senior cap for his country.
Mateus Fernandes Priority is Man United Transfer
West Ham United Midfielder Mateus Fernandes in Premier League ActionVia Reuters
The Portuguese youngster has been most heavily linked with United so far this summer, but he is also attracting interest from other big clubs across Europe having stood out for both of his previous clubs despite his tender years.
Paris Saint-Germain have been credited with an interest in Fernandes, while Liverpool have been tipped to become a key contender in the race for his signature.
Premier League champions Arsenal are also keen on the 21-year-old, but perhaps the most worrying link recently has been the emergence of Real Madrid in the chase following the expected appointment of Jose Mourinho as the club's manager.
Mourinho is said to be keen to land his Portuguese compatriot as he begins a new era at the Bernabeu.
However, according to Connolly, posting on X, despite the interest from Real, Fernandes is giving preference to a move to join United after talks, as they continue to try and agree a suitable fee with the Hammers for his services.
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Which Other Midfielders are Man United Targeting?
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba in Premier League actionvia Reuters
United are being linked with a whole host of midfielders on top of Fernandes, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson still being viewed as their number one target, despite his own preference for a move to join Manchester City.
Romano has described Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni as their 'dream' Casemiro replacement, with Mourinho needing to make a decision over the Frenchman's future after he was involved in a huge training ground bust-up with Federico Valverde last month.
Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali continues to be linked after reports in Italy claimed that Carrick has instructed Red Devils chiefs to sign the Italian, while Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba has been a long-term target and a long-term agreement over personal terms is already in place for the Cameroon international.