Real Madrid balk at £80m price for Mateus Fernandes

Real Madrid consider the £80m asking price for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes too high. The club is not prepared to meet the fee demanded by West Ham. Jose Mourinho has identified Fernandes as a defensive‑midfield option after Real Madrid secured Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries. The Portuguese midfielder impressed the new head coach at West Ham, which will leave the Premier League after relegation. Real Madrid are also linked with Bernardo Silva as an alternative midfield target. Real Madrid demonstrated spending power with a €150m bid for Julian Alvarez that Atletico Madrid rejected. A €93m fee for Fernandes would be achievable but risky given his limited experience at the highest level. Manchester United are also reported to be interested, which could pressure Real Madrid. If Real Madrid do not increase their offer, they may lose the race for Fernandes. Image credit for the accompanying photo goes to Richard Pelham.