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Manchester United’s ongoing pursuit of midfield reinforcement has brought them to Mateus Fernandes, though the negotiations have proven more complex than INEOS initially anticipated.

West Ham United continue to stand firm on their valuation of the Portuguese midfielder, while INEOS are actively working to bring the price down through negotiations.

Alongside United, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur have also expressed interest in the player. However, Real Madrid’s growing involvement presents the most significant challenge to United’s hopes.

Reports from Defensa Central suggest that Jose Mourinho, who is known to be an admirer of his fellow countryman, has earmarked Fernandes as a potential replacement for Aurelien Tchouameni at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Tchouameni, who has been linked with a possible transfer to Old Trafford, appears unlikely to leave Madrid, as both the player and club president Florentino Perez have firmly dismissed any prospect of a sale for the 26-year-old Frenchman.

Nonetheless, Mourinho seems to have a different vision. He is reportedly open to parting ways with Tchouameni if that allows Madrid to secure Mateus Fernandes’s services.

Interestingly, tensions between Tchouameni and Fede Valverde have been noted, and it is believed that Mourinho would prefer to retain the Uruguayan midfielder over the Frenchman should a decision between the two be required.

“Selling the French midfielder could be the ideal solution for Mourinho to acquire the West Ham player he has requested for his Madrid squad. If Tchouameni remains, the deal is unlikely to progress very far,” the report states.

“The Portuguese coach would rather keep the Uruguayan (Fede Valverde) than the Frenchman if forced to choose. Therefore, Mateus Fernandes is being considered as an alternative option for the midfield.”

While Manchester United could consider reigniting their interest in Tchouameni, doing so might jeopardise their pursuit of Fernandes — a scenario the club wants to avoid at this stage.

The 20-time English league champions continue to engage in discussions with West Ham, with INEOS determined to maintain financial discipline during the process.

Despite Real Madrid’s growing interest, the prevailing sentiment around Old Trafford is optimistic. Sources suggest that United are confident of completing the signing, particularly as Mateus Fernandes is reportedly keen to reunite with his idol and compatriot, Bruno Fernandes.