Real Madrid are reportedly pursuing Mateus Fernandes, a move which could potentially pave the way for Manchester United to sign Aurelien Tchouameni. Both midfielders have been heavily linked with switches to Old Trafford this summer, with one potentially arriving alongside Ederson.
United have already struck an agreement with Atalanta for the Brazil international and Michael Carrick is now seeking another midfield recruit. Elliot Anderson is understood to be the primary target but Manchester City appears his likeliest destination.
Arsenal and Tottenham are among other Premier League sides pursuing midfield targets this summer but the Spanish heavyweights could prove pivotal to United's ambitions. According to Mundo Deportivo, Fernandes represents Jose Mourinho's preferred acquisition and his potential arrival would necessitate a departure.
Currently, Tchouameni is the likeliest candidate for the exit door ahead of the likes of Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos. Their report suggests any proceeds generated from selling Tchouameni, who would command a substantial fee, would be utilised to secure a replacement.
Enzo Fernandez is also on Real Madrid's radar, who have already secured the signing of his former Chelsea team-mate Marc Cucurella, while Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Bernardo Silva have also arrived on free transfers.
Tchouameni is currently featuring at the World Cup alongside Real's four new additions, while Fernandes missed out on Portugal's squad despite an impressive season at West Ham.
Relegation to the Championship will almost certainly trigger the departure of at least one of Fernandes, Jarrod Bowen or Crysencio Summerville from London Stadium ahead of the 2026/27 season.
United have also been credited with interest in the latter duo, with Everton's Iliman Ndiaye emerging as another attacking target. Strengthening at left-back is likewise high on the club's agenda.
Lewis Hall, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Nathaniel Brown have all been mentioned as potential recruits, with the latter putting in a strong display for Germany at the World Cup earlier this month.
Outgoings are also anticipated, with Rasmus Hojlund having already completed a permanent switch to Napoli and Manuel Ugarte expected to join Casemiro as a midfielder leaving the club.
Marcus Rashford's future continues to dominate the headlines, with his chances of joining Barcelona dwindling in the wake of signing Anthony Gordon. The former came off the bench to score in England's 4-2 win over Croatia on Wednesday, with his future likely to be resolved after the World Cup.
