Mourinho concedes defeat: Real Madrid now ‘expect’ £42m target to join ‘frontrunners’ Man United

Real Madrid ‘expect’ Manchester United to win the race for Mateus Fernandes’ signature this summer.

That’s according to Samuel Luckhurst, who adds that the Red Devils can now be considered ‘frontrunners’.

Madrid ready to accept defeat in Mateus Fernandes chase

Madrid confirmed last week that Jose Mourinho had returned to the club following the re-election of president Florentino Perez.

The experienced manager had immediately set his sights on a move for his compatriot, Fernandes, ahead of an anticipated shake-up at the Santiago Bernabeu during the transfer window.

However, the Spanish giants are braced to navigate a feeling they’re far from accustomed to, as Fernandes has his heart set on a switch to Old Trafford.

Fernandes: The state of play
The 21-year-old had also attracted interest from last season’s Champions League finalists Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, though neither had gone as far as holding talks.

United, on the other hand, have made contact with Fernandes’ representatives, and have been made aware that West Ham value him in the region of £80-85 million.

When signing him from freshly-relegated Southampton last August, the Irons agreed a £42m package (£38m upfront plus £4m in add-ons) to bring the youngster to the London Stadium on a five-year deal.

Yet, Nuno Espirito Santo’s side failing to retain their own Premier League status last month means Fernandes is expected to be on the move for the second successive year.

Should an agreement be reached, the one-capped Portugal starlet would potentially follow Ederson through the doors at Carrington – albeit the latter’s transfer has been delayed due to his late World Cup call-up with Brazil.

An additional midfield acquisition may hinge on the out-of-favour Manuel Ugarte being sold.