Real Madrid pull out of race to sign £80 million-rated target as they 'expect' Man Utd to sign him

Manchester United are reportedly in 'pole position' to sign one of the most exciting midfielders in Europe after two clubs, including Real Madrid, cooled their interest in the £80 million-rated player.

Those behind the scenes at Old Trafford want to bring in at least two midfielders this summer as they look to replace the departing Casemiro.

Earlier this month, United reached an agreement over the signing of Ederson, who is expected to join Michael Carrick's side from Serie A side Atalanta in a deal worth an initial £35 million plus £4m in add-ons.

As well as Ederson, several names have been linked with a summer switch, including Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, although he looks more likely to join Manchester City in what could be a British record move.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali continue to crop up in reports, too, but there appears to be more legs in a deal to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Fernandes continues to be linked with a move to Manchester United. Image credit: Getty

In fact, United are leading the race to sign Fernandes, according to a report from The Sun, which claims Real Madrid, who have also monitored the player, 'expect' him to join the ranks at Old Trafford.

Arsenal have also cooled their interest in the Portugal international.

The report goes on to suggest that Fernandes is valued at the £80 million mark by West Ham, although United are hoping to 'strike a compromise' after they were relegated to the Championship.

How good is Mateus Fernandes? And what would he bring to Manchester United's midfield?

Despite West Ham's relegation, Fernandes was one of the top-ranking midfielders in the Premier League last season when it came to distance covered.

He is also renowned for his defensive actions and tough tackling. Across the 2025-26 campaign, for example, he completed more tackles and interceptions than Casemiro, as well as duels won.

The 21-year-old, who operates primarily as a progressive number 8, also recorded significantly more successful dribbles per 90 than the Brazilian, which demonstrates his technical ability in tight spaces.