Real Madrid worried Man Utd are about to hijack Jose Mourinho’s top target

Manchester United go into the summer transfer window off the back of a third-placed Premier League finish and a place back in the Champions League.

Michael Carrick was confirmed as permanent manager after taking over in January and guiding United into Europe, and the task now is to build a squad capable of sustaining that progress.

The mood around Old Trafford has shifted considerably, but there are still significant decisions to be made – not least over the futures of players who defined the previous era.

Casemiro’s departure has been confirmed and Rasmus Hojlund’s loan move to Napoli has been made permanent.

The Marcus Rashford situation remains unresolved. United are not considering entering into negotiations with Barcelona over a second loan spell after the La Liga outfit did not take up the option to sign the England forward permanently.

The England international, who scored in the Three Lions opening group game against Croatia, has been linked with a number of Premier League clubs but is no closer to finding a new permanent home.

On the way in, a deal has been struck for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the move expected to be completed in July – a signing United have been chasing in various forms for the best part of two years.

He won’t be the only midfielder to come in however, with Fabrizio Romano reporting United could sign as many as three new faces in the centre of the park this summer.

The Red Devils have been linked with all of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes, Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba and Elliot Anderson, and there has now been an update on the man at the top of their shortlist.

Real Madrid falling behind in Fernandes race

Indeed, that man appears to be West Ham United star Fernandes, who is certain to leave East London following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

According to reports in Spain, via Sport Witness, the Portuguese star is also Jose Mourinho’s top target at Real Madrid.

However, the Spanish press are now claiming that United’s interest is proving to be an ‘obstacle’ for their former manager and what would have been an easy deal for them to complete is no longer the case, with Fernandes widely reported to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.

Fernandes’ price tag €80m, they claim, which is slightly less than the £80m figure quoted in the British outlets.

The deciding factor could well come down to Jorge Mendes – the super agent represents both Fernandes and Mourinho, but also has a good relationship with United.

The 21 year-old scored three times and provided four assists in 36 Premier League games last term, and also averaged 2.9 tackles per appearances, showing impressive versatility on and off the ball.

Manchester United are also eyeing a move for one of Madrid’s own stars – Aurelien Tchouameni.

Reports this week have revealed his future in the Spanish capital is now less certain than it was a few months ago, with both the Red Devils and rivals Liverpool in talks with his agents.