Manchester United in pole position to sign £80 million-rated Real Madrid target | OneFootball

Real Madrid have already closed three summer signings in the form of Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and most recently, Bernardo Silva.

But the transfer activity at the Santiago Bernabeu is far from done, with another centre-back and a new midfielder expected to arrive in the coming weeks.

One of the midfielders firmly on the agenda of Los Blancos happens to be West Ham United and Portugal star Mateus Fernandes.

Manchester United leading race

However, according to The Telegraph in England, Manchester United are in pole position to sign Fernandes from West Ham United this summer.

Man in demand. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old midfield enforcer is also attracting strong interest from the likes of Arsenal and Real Madrid, but the Red Devils are now at the front of the queue.

As per the report, West Ham are demanding a transfer fee of £80 million for the one-time capped Portuguese international – a figure that Arsenal are reluctant to pay, while Real Madrid are yet to make any concrete move.

Nonetheless, the report states that Manchester United remain wary of Real Madrid acting on the interest in Fernandes, with incoming manager Jose Mourinho understood to be a keen admirer of his compatriot.

What next for Real Madrid?

A new midfield anchor is a top priority for Mourinho and Real Madrid, and someone like Fernandes can be an excellent fit.

Mateus Fernandes could be headed to Manchester United. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

The 21-year-old proved himself in the Premier League last season, despite West Ham United ending up getting relegated.

He finished the 2025/26 campaign with 42 appearances in all competitions, registering five goals and assists apiece, while also showcasing his versatility by operating in multiple roles in midfield.

His age also means that he would represent a long-term investment for the club. However, as things stand, it seems unlikely that Real Madrid will splash £80 million on his signing unless there is a significant departure.

The Merengues continue to monitor other alternatives for the midfield, with Manchester City and Spain veteran Rodri still on the club’s agenda.