Incoming Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly attempting to disrupt Manchester United’s transfer plans by targeting West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Manchester United, under the guidance of Michael Carrick, secured a third-place finish in the Premier League, earning qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League and strengthening their position in the summer transfer market.

Reports suggest that United are closing in on their first summer signing, with Atalanta’s Ederson expected to join the club. However, the deal may not be finalised until July.

In addition to Ederson, United are aiming to bring in at least one or two more midfielders, along with a left-back and a left-winger as part of their recruitment priorities this summer.

Several players have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Earlier this week, West Ham’s Fernandes was tipped to become United’s ‘next summer signing’ following the completion of the Ederson transfer, according to Manchester United correspondent Ross Harwood.

Harwood wrote: “Talks for Mateus Fernandes are now expected to accelerate. Manchester United are aiming to secure a deal worth around £45 million. The player is set to request a move to push both clubs towards an agreement and has already given a verbal commitment to personal terms. The expectation is that this will be the next summer signing once the Ederson deal is finalised.”

BBC Sport journalist Simon Stone stated on Wednesday that he “would be surprised” if United failed to complete the move for Fernandes. He said: “I would be surprised if the deal for Mateus Fernandes didn’t go through. I believe the club are currently in a standoff with West Ham United, who are adamant they don’t have to sell and are demanding £80 million.”

Stone added: “That said, it appears to be another transfer that could be resolved quickly because Fernandes, like Ederson, wasn’t selected for the World Cup. I also sense that if Manchester United could arrange a deal that sees Manuel Ugarte depart the club in some capacity, it would suit all involved.”

However, Mourinho could now disrupt these plans. Spanish outlet AS reports that Fernandes is among the players on the Portuguese coach’s target list for Real Madrid this summer.

The report claims: “Mourinho wants him, and Real Madrid have already started making moves to satisfy their new manager.” Fernandes is also believed to be on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal.

The article further explains: “West Ham’s relegation could ease the potential transfer of the Portuguese midfielder. The improved relationship between Real Madrid and Jorge Mendes—who represents Fernandes, Jose Mourinho, and others like Vitinha, Joao Neves, and Lamine Yamal—also facilitates negotiations. Although the owner of the English club is hesitant to allow his best players to leave, he recognises that relegation makes it difficult to retain them.”