Mateus Fernandes is reportedly favouring a move to Tottenham Hotspur over Manchester United or Real Madrid, paving the way for a deal to be done between the two clubs instead.

Now resigned to missing out on the West Ham starlet, Madrid are preparing to go full throttle in their pursuit of Enzo Fernandez, with the decision made ‘in the last few hours’, as per Diario AS (relayed by Madrid Zone).

How Fernandes snub could allow United to sign Aurelien Tchouameni

As a result, longstanding United target Aurelien Tchouameni is poised to be sacrificed in order to make way for the Argentine, meaning the Red Devils can finally make their move.

United have been tracking the Frenchman since he first began making a name for himself at AS Monaco, but he decided to rebuff Premier League interest and join Los Blancos in 2022.

Tchouameni will be entering the penultimate season of his contract when 2026/2027 gets underway, prompting speculation that Madrid could decide to cash in this summer while he’s garnering interest.

Should he be made available, United will be at the front of the queue for the experienced 26-year-old.

Fernandez has to sign for Madrid in order for Tchouameni to be sold

Any talks with the player directly will likely have to wait until his international commitments have concluded, as he is currently representing France at the World Cup, where they are once again one of the major favourites to reign victorious in the tournament.

Of course, a deal would also hinge on Madrid and Chelsea being able to agree terms for Fernandez

The Blues’ vice-captain is desperate to follow in the footsteps of former teammate Marc Cucurella by landing a move to the Santiago Bernabeu before deadline day, but Madrid will have to meet his £120 million price tag.

Read more: ‘Extraordinary’ midfielder has now told Sky Sports he is going to sign for Man United this summer

Author

  • Isabel, 25, is a football writer who has previously gained experience in the industry as the editor of Stretty News, along with work on Caught Offside, Last Word on Football and Give Me Sport. She is now the editor of UtdReport.