Jose Mourinho is set to make Mateus Fernandes a Real Madrid target this summer as the new Bernabeu boss looks to beat former employers Manchester United in the pursuit of the midfielder.
Fernandes seems likely to leave West Ham after the Hammers were relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season.
Manchester United are currently favourites to sign the Portugal international, with Real now also entering the race.
Mourinho, who has returned to Madrid for a second stint as manager, has already confirmed the signing of defender Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool on a four-year deal.
He joins Bernardo Silva from Manchester City and Marc Cucurella from Brighton at Los Blancos as Mourinho makes a fast start in the transfer market and now it appears he's turning his attention to another compatriot.
Mourinho eyes Fernandes addition
Spanish sports outlet AS is reporting that Real have joined Man Utd in the queue of possible destinations for Fernandes, who is still only 21.
Mourinho and Fernandes share an agent, Jorge Mendes, with reports in Spain suggesting he is now working towards a move to Real for the midfielder.
Fernandes featured in 36 of West Ham's Premier League games in 2025-26, scoring three times, but couldn't help boss Nuno Espirito Santo steer them clear of the relegation zone.
According to the AS report: "Mourinho wants commitment without sacrificing quality, qualities that Fernandes more than fulfils. He demonstrated that in the recently concluded season.
"The deal is underway and the player who was once a dark horse has now become one of the top targets."
Hammers set Fernandes price tag
West Ham are reported to have put a price tag of €80m on Fernandes, amid interest from the likes of Man Utd and Liverpool to keep the former Southampton player in the Premier League.
With the Londoners bound for the Championship next season, it appears certain the player will leave.
And, with the battleground of the second tier looming, the Hammers will aim to maximise potential revenue from a potential sale as they look to strengthen for a 46-game league season to come.
The Irons' hierarchy have seemingly set an initial price tag but will be hoping that the entry of Real into the mix can help spark a bidding war for their asset.
Tottenham Hotspur have also registered their interest in Fernandes this week, it has been reported.
Carrick rebuilding United's engine room
Michael Carrick, appointed full time at Old Trafford following an excellent second half of the season under his interim leadership, is a fan of the box-to-box midfielder and United need strengthening following the departure of Casemiro.
The 34-year-old's contract expires this month and, despite the Red Devils exploring the possibility of a one-year extension, the Brazilian has opted to end his four-year stint in Manchester.
England international Elliot Anderson is a potential target, though Man City are seemingly leading the race for the Nottingham Forest player.
Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace and Atalanta's Ederson are other potential recruits, with Fernandes also right in the mix.
If it is to be the last-named, Carrick and United's powerbrokers will be hoping that Mourinho isn't about to spoil their plans.
With his 22nd birthday coming in July and his first senior international appearance for Portugal having come in April, Fernandes has a major decision to make this summer as he contemplates leaving West Ham just a year after signing a five-year deal in East London.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
