Jose Mourinho keen on Premier League midfielder if Real Madrid can’t sign Vitinha or Joao Neves | OneFootball

Real Madrid President Florentino Perez drew all of the headlines on Thursday night, when he announced that Los Blancos would be making a €150m bid for a player, as he bids to win re-election against Enrique Riquelme. Since, the possible targets of that bid have emerged.

It has been no secret for some time that Real Madrid admire Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Vitinha, and it has emerged that teammate Joao Neves is the other midfielder that Perez would make a blockbuster move for. The third on their shortlist to become the most expensive signing in the club’s history is Bayern Munich star Michael Olise. However if Vitinha or Neves do not arrive, then Los Blancos will still be in need of a midfielder.

Mourinho suggests Mateus Fernandes signing

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer on a deal until 2030. Richard Pelham/Getty Images

As per Diario AS, manager in-waiting Jose Mourinho has come up with an alternative. Two midfielders were on his shortlist of four to six signings that he suggested to the club in negotiations over his return, and West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes would fit his demands. The 21-year-old was a standout for the relegated Hammers, and Liverpool and Arsenal are also interested in him. They say that Real Madrid are already making moves with regards to bringing Fernandes in.

Mateus Fernandes’ background

Image via Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)

The promising young midfielder was considered unlucky not to make the Portugal squad for the World Cup, earning his first cap under Roberto Martinez during the March/April international break. Coming through the academy at Sporting CP, he spent a season on loan at Estoril, which attracted the attention of Southampton, and with it a €15m move. After being relegated with the Saints, but again impressing, West Ham pounced, spending €44m on him. This season he has made 42 appearances at the London Stadium, scoring five times and giving five assists.