Mateus Fernandes' West Ham exit edges closer as Jose Mourinho takes matters into own hands

Mateus Fernandes' exit from West Ham United looks to be growing ever closer, with new Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho keen on the midfielder.

The former Chelsea boss was delighted to see Florentino Perez win the presidential election at Real Madrid recently, which confirmed his return to Los Blancos.

He had agreed to become Real Madrid boss once more before the election, and it went through after Perez won the majority of votes.

Now with the Portuguese back at the Santiago Bernabeu, he's planning to make his own transfers, and Fernandes is at the top of that list.

The Hammers need to make a reported £150million in sales, as they value their star midfielder at more than half of that target.

Fernandes has multiple admirers across Europe, but with the Spanish giants prepared to go all in for his signature, his next destination seems likely to be in Spain.

Jose Mourinho in talks with Mateus Fernandes' agent

According to Diario AS, Fernandes is legendary manager Mourinho's number one priority at Real Madrid this summer transfer window.

The new Madrid coach is said to have a "special predilection" for the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United, PSG, Arsenal and other European giants.

Any talks over a transfer are expected to start at around £77.8m, but there is an acceptance that this would be likely to rise in discussions.

Mourinho is so keen on signing Fernandes that he is already in talks with the player's agent, Jorge Mendes, but all parties know a deal won't be straightforward.

The West Ham star is said to fill the criteria that Mourinho is looking for in a midfielder, and with his age, he is only expected to improve.

Real Madrid's £130m plan could cause Fernandes delay

Fernandes' agent, Mendes, is said to be personally working with Mourinho to try and get a deal done, but the World Cup may cause the first delay.

Then, Perez has also stated that he will look to sign a "galactico" by lodging a £130m bid this summer to try to sign one of the world's best players.

This is clearly a huge amount of money to spend on one player, and it may hinder the limits that Los Blancos are willing to go to sign Fernandes.

Either way, West Ham won't be turned over easily in negotiations, as they are said to want at least £85m to sanction his sale.