Manchester United have encountered a major obstacle in their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes, as the agent of the West Ham United midfielder, Jorge Mendes, is reportedly attempting to secure a transfer to Real Madrid.

The Red Devils have already finalised a deal with Atalanta for Ederson Silva and are now searching for another central midfielder to join the Brazilian star at Old Trafford this summer.

Elliot Anderson remains one of Manchester United’s top targets, although Manchester City are currently favourites to sign the Nottingham Forest and England international midfielder.

Mateus Fernandes is another player firmly on Manchester United’s radar, with West Ham United open to selling the Portugal international for around £80 million.

United have held discussions for Fernandes, who is said to be ‘extremely eager’ to complete a move to Old Trafford.

Reports also indicate that Manchester United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is personally enthusiastic about arranging a summer 2026 deal for the Portuguese midfielder.

However, the Premier League giants now face serious competition from Real Madrid for Fernandes’ signature.

Real Madrid are believed to be interested in Fernandes, with Jose Mourinho returning to the Santiago Bernabeu for a second spell as head coach.

The Spanish champions are in the market for a new midfielder, and Fernandes has emerged as one of their preferred options.

According to Spanish outlet AS, which is known for its Real Madrid coverage, Jorge Mendes is actively working to facilitate a move for Fernandes to the Spanish capital.

The report claims that Mourinho is ‘particularly fond of’ his Portuguese compatriot and sees him as an ideal addition to his new project.

Manchester United and Chelsea are understood to have been the first clubs to make approaches for Fernandes, but Real Madrid could now move ahead in the race for the former Southampton player.

The publication adds: ‘Jorge Mendes, who represents both Fernandes and Mourinho, is already working on a deal that will not be simple but remains a top priority for the manager, though not the only one.

‘Mourinho has complete faith in the Portuguese midfielder’s potential, and his development appears limitless, which has drawn the attention of the new Real Madrid boss.

‘While his inclusion in Portugal’s World Cup squad was anticipated, the abundance of midfield talent within the national setup ultimately kept him out of the final selection.

‘Mourinho demands full commitment without compromising on quality—attributes that Fernandes embodies perfectly, as shown throughout the recently concluded season.

‘The process is already underway, and the player who was once considered an outsider has now become one of Real Madrid’s top priorities.’