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Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Manchester United are already engaged in discussions with the entourage of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes over a potential summer transfer.

Following West Ham’s recent relegation to the Championship, the 21-year-old Portuguese talent is widely tipped to make a prompt return to top-tier football, with significant developments regarding his future expected before the end of this month.

According to respected journalist Ben Jacobs, Fernandes has emerged as a top target on Manchester United’s midfield shortlist.

The Red Devils have reportedly held formal conversations with the player’s representatives to explore possible personal terms and assess his wage expectations.

Despite their drop to the Championship, West Ham remain in a strong negotiating position and are demanding a hefty £85 million valuation for the midfielder.

This figure is nearly double the £38 million fee plus £4 million in add-ons that the club paid to secure Fernandes’ services last summer.

The steep asking price is partly influenced by a 15% sell-on clause owed to his former club. However, despite this high valuation, Jacobs believes a major transfer is still likely to materialise this month, particularly as Fernandes is determined to maintain his place in the national setup.

While Manchester United have made the initial approach, finalising a deal for Fernandes has become increasingly complex.

Jacobs further reports that French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Premier League rivals Arsenal have both maintained a long-standing admiration for the Portuguese midfielder.

However, the biggest competition could come from Real Madrid, who have now joined the race.

According to Jacobs, Real Madrid have also reached out to Fernandes to discuss a possible move to Spain, as manager José Mourinho seeks to strengthen his squad during the summer window.

Fernandes’ future is expected to be resolved soon, with Manchester United already in talks, PSG and Arsenal continuing to monitor developments, and Real Madrid entering the fray. West Ham are firm on their demand—double the £38m plus £4m they invested—but a sale still appears imminent given the player’s ambitions.

Fernandes has developed into one of Europe’s most coveted young midfielders, admired for his versatility and refined technical qualities.

Equally comfortable as a deep-lying playmaker or an energetic box-to-box operator, his composure under pressure and tactical intelligence make him an ideal addition for many elite European clubs.

Having already demonstrated his ability to thrive in the physical environment of English football, many top clubs view Fernandes as a potential generational midfield cornerstone.