Manchester United are firmly in the hunt to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Romano took to X to confirm that United “remain keen” on the 21-year-old, though multiple clubs are now circling the Portuguese talent this summer.
The situation is complicated by Jose Mourinho, who has reportedly mentioned Fernandes as a transfer target to Real Madrid, intensifying competition for his signature.
Romano wrote: “Manchester United remain keen on Mateus Fernandes with more clubs also in the race. José Mourinho mentioned his name to Real Madrid yesterday, more Premier League clubs showing interest. Price tag around £85m.”
West Ham have no intention of selling Fernandes on the cheap despite their relegation from the Premier League last season.
The Hammers have placed an £85m price tag on the midfielder, who still has a contract running until 2030 at the London Stadium.
United’s interest in Fernandes stems from a genuine need to strengthen their midfield options following Casemiro’s departure as a free agent this summer.
Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte are currently the only recognised midfield options available to the club, leaving the squad dangerously thin in that area.
Ugarte has also struggled to establish himself in the Premier League since arriving from PSG, raising further questions about the depth and quality of United’s engine room.
The club have reportedly already agreed in principle to sign Ederson from Atalanta, with that deal expected to be confirmed after the conclusion of his World Cup campaign with Brazil.
United are thought to be targeting at least two midfielders this window, with a third potentially required should Ugarte depart Old Trafford in the coming weeks.
Fernandes showed genuine quality during his time in the Premier League, registering 10 goal contributions across all competitions despite West Ham’s ultimately unsuccessful battle against relegation.
The Portuguese youngster is versatile enough to operate as a deep-lying playmaker, a box-to-box midfielder, and can also contribute in a more creative midfield role.