Real Madrid have reportedly stepped aside in the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, as they anticipate Manchester United to finalize his signing.
The Spanish club has acknowledged that United's negotiations for the 21-year-old Portuguese sensation are progressing significantly, particularly after Arsenal decided to withdraw their interest.
Fernandes has emerged as a primary target for Manchester United's midfield recruitment strategy for the current summer transfer window.
West Ham United has placed a valuation of £80 million on Fernandes. However, the club's recent relegation to the Championship could potentially enable Manchester United to secure a more favorable transfer fee.
The transfer dynamics are further complicated by internal instability at West Ham, including the recent resignation of co-chairman David Sullivan and ongoing speculation regarding manager Nuno Espirito Santo's tenure.
Manchester United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, shares a past association with Fernandes from their time at Southampton, which could serve as a facilitating factor in the potential transfer.
The involvement of influential agent Jorge Mendes, who represents Fernandes, might also play a role. Mendes could see his client join other high-profile players he represents, such as Leny Yoro and Manuel Ugarte, at Old Trafford as part of United's broader midfield restructuring.
With these converging factors, the move of Mateus Fernandes to Manchester United appears increasingly likely, with Real Madrid seemingly content to watch from the sidelines.
