West Ham: Jose Mourinho to hope dominoes fall in place for Mateus Fernandes deal

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes is continuing to attract attention this summer.

Joining the club from Southampton in 2025, the Portuguese midfielder would endure relegation for the second successive season.

However, he remained a shining light under Nuno Espirito Santo, earning his plaudits across Europe as a result.

Relegated to the Championship on the final day of the season, the Hammers themselves have been scrambling ahead of their second tier return.

Having to bring in around £150million through player sales, Fernandes is deemed as a big money-making tool this summer.

And with the transfer window now open, one favourable option has emerged for the Irons.

Jose Mourinho latest in long list of Mateus Fernandes admirers

After standing out in a dismal season at the London Stadium, it is only natural that Fernandes has a long list of suitors.

European champions Paris Saint-Germain have been mentioned regularly, alongside Manchester United, with the latter refusing to be held to ransom over the £80m valuation set by West Ham.

Enter Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho, who hold the midfielder in high regard, as per Spanish outlet Marca.

For this to happen though, returning boss Mourinho needs certain dominoes to fall into place, having already secured the signings of Bernardo Silva and Marc Cucurella.

French midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is said to be another of interest to Manchester United.

Alongside this deal potentially being an alternative to Fernandes, it could allow Madrid to go ahead with a move for the Portuguese star - seeing Mourinho land a dream target.

West Ham on the other hand, will want a deal done as soon as possible, allowing them to finally begin preparations for what is hopefully just the one year in the Championship.

West Ham will be holding out for one Fernandes solution

Of course, it is imperative that the Hammers get a deal done sooner rather than later.

However, the clear preference may just be a switch to the Spanish capital.

In England, Fernandes' stock has continued to rise - something far from a surprise to fans in East London.

And for the supporters and those associated with the club, seeing him hit the anticipated levels at another English club is guaranteed to sting.

At 21, his best years are ahead of him, at least watching him hit those heights would be much easier and enjoyable should he be doing so for the record European champions.