Nuno’s man Mendes firmly in control of West Ham United’s biggest summer deal

IT isn’t often that Manchester United get to play second fiddle in their pursuit of a transfer target: Considering the outrageous sums former manager Erik ten Hag blew on mediocre players, the Red Devils are used to getting the players they want into their club. And indeed these days with Michael Carrick at the helm all is positive at Old Trafford and few players would turn down a move to the red side of Manchester.

Former Red Devils manager Jose Mourino’s impending appointment at Real Madrid may however mean that Manchester United don’t get their own way with the signing of West Ham’s midfield prodigy and hot property Mateus Fernandes.

Following the presidential elections at Real Madrid, Jose Mourinho is set to be installed as the new manager: He’s already declared his top transfer target is West Ham’s midfielder.

For Mourinho and Fernandes share the same agent: Nuno’s right hand man Jorge Mendes.

Reports collated by thepeoplesperson.com from Spanish news site AS and sportwitness.co.uk suggest Manchester United have been ‘rocked’ by Real Madrid’s plan for Fernandes:

“Spanish outlet AS (as relayed by Sport Witness) claims Fernandes is a priority for Mourinho as the ‘Special One’ wants to inject more “commitment” into Real’s squad.

Both parties share the same agent, Jorge Mendes, who is said to be working to help Los Blancos hijack United’s move, with the report concluding that Fernandes is now one of Real’s “top targets” and a “deal is underway”.

Good news for West Ham’s finances then, bearing in mind the 15% sell-on clause that Southampton hold on Fernandes, every euro will count. As the quoted price reportedly hits £85 million, Fernandes is likely to pay off a big chunk of West Ham’s Sullivan – accumulated debt all on his own.

And the prospect of watching his career blossom at Madrid feels infinitely better than watching him strut around in the red and white at Old Trafford. Small mercies.