Reports indicate that Manchester United and M. Fernandes are close to reaching an agreement, with a transfer fee ceiling already set. Real Madrid will only intervene under one condition.

Manchester United and West Ham United midfielder Matheus Fernandes are making good progress on personal terms, and the two sides are close to an agreement. Actually, this has never been an issue; the primary challenge is the protracted negotiations over the transfer fee with West Ham.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano explained: "Manchester United have been in direct contact with M. Fernandes' team, and the player is desperate to move to Old Trafford. Talks on personal terms are advancing well. West Ham value him at around £85 million, ideally even close to £100 million. However, United are trying to negotiate a lower fee and are not in a rush to get the deal done. With other clubs also interested, United must handle negotiations carefully to avoid a bidding war while remaining rational on the price."

Manchester United have always been confident about signing the 21-year-old M. Fernandes, who is eager to join Old Trafford. The coaching staff also looks forward to his arrival. His agent, Jorge Mendes, has a close relationship with United, having facilitated many deals over the years. M. Fernandes is particularly keen to play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes, and Bruno has already recommended his fellow countryman to the United management.

In theory, this should not be a difficult deal, but as of now, United have not yet submitted a formal bid. The club does not intend to let West Ham's valuation dictate the process. After all, an early price could set the tone for future signings.

West Ham believe, rightly or wrongly, that their negotiating position is much stronger than United think; United, on the other hand, believe that the "Hammers" have been relegated to the Championship and will have to sell players. In this environment, fans need to be patient.

English media have consistently reported that United are preparing an initial bid of around £65 million. But West Ham will insist on a price of over £80 million and will certainly reject United's first offer. This outcome is almost a foregone conclusion. However, United would rather waste more time than pay an excessive price.

According to the Manchester Evening News, United know that the transfer fee will inevitably exceed £58 million, breaking the record for a Championship player. But Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS management team has emphasized that the offer will not exceed £70 million.

United are aware that other clubs are interested in M. Fernandes, but generally he is not their top priority. For instance, Real Madrid have also made contact with M. Fernandes' agent. However, according to Marca, Real Madrid's first choice is Argentine international Enzo Fernández, and they will only consider pursuing M. Fernandes if they cannot sign the Chelsea midfielder. Additionally, Lille midfielder Ayoub Bouaddi, who impressed for Morocco at the World Cup, is also a candidate.

Romano also reiterated that United have no plans to hijack Manchester City's potential deal for Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliott Anderson. "Manchester City are accelerating the process to sign Anderson," Romano noted. "After Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis rejected City's £121 million offer, City are still negotiating and holding talks. It is understood that United will not get involved. They do not intend to hijack the Anderson deal, and Anderson himself is keen to join City, even without Pep Guardiola. Anderson still wants to go to City, and this deal is expected to accelerate in the coming days."

It is worth noting that once Anderson's transfer is completed, it could trigger a chain reaction, and other midfield moves may also speed up, as the details of City and Anderson's deal will set the tone for other transactions. Romano said: "City definitely want to finalize it as quickly as possible because another midfielder they have been in contact with, Sandro Tonali, is leaning towards joining Tottenham."