Manchester United could face significant competition in the race to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

United have been heavily linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent months and are still believed to be the frontrunners to sign Fernandes this summer. However, they now appear to have significant competition.

Fernandes caught the eye across Europe with his performances for West Ham last season as the promising midfielder impressed in a poor side that were ultimately relegated from the Premier League. The Portugal international also impressed during the season prior for Southampton, who were also relegated.

It looks as though the Hammers will find it incredibly difficult to keep hold of the midfielder in the Championship, especially when two of the biggest clubs in the world are pursuing a deal.

Real Madrid launch Fernandes enquiry

via Reuters

According to TEAMtalk, Real Madrid have ‘made contact’ and launched an enquiry regarding a potential deal for Fernandes in the last 48 hours.

New Los Blancos manager Jose Mourinho is believed to have a number of top quality midfield targets on his radar and it now appears as though his fellow countryman Fernandes is on that list.

United are still thought to be the frontrunners to land the 21-year-old’s signature this summer but the presence of Real Madrid in the transfer pursuit may have an impact.

Despite relegation to the Championship, West Ham aren’t under pressure to sell and are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £80million to allow Fernandes to depart after just one season at the London Stadium.

Man United need to seal Fernandes deal

With Champions League football returning to Old Trafford in the upcoming season, United need to bolster their squad, particularly in midfield.

Casemiro has left the Red Devils while Manuel Ugarte has also been linked with an exit. Michael Carrick’s side may also miss out on the signing of Elliot Anderson who has been subject to two rejected bids from Manchester City.

Despite his best season in a United shirt last term, it isn’t realistic to expect Bruno Fernandes to produce another campaign where he produces a record number of 21 assists in the Premier League.

Fernandes can be seen as a long-term figure for the United midfield and would offer much-needed quality and strength in depth going into a busier campaign.

Fernandes has registered 19 goal contributions over the past two seasons for teams that were relegated from the Premier League, making it exciting to consider what the young Portuguese star could produce in a team thriving at the other end of the division and in the Champions League.

Tottenham are close to making their third signing of the summer transfer window, as David Ornstein reports that an agreement has been reached with Brighton and Hove Albion to sign Jan Paul van Hecke.

Spurs have been pushing to land the Dutch defender this month, with several bids made to the Seagulls in an attempt to lure the star to North London.

After a few of those offers were turned down, it appears as though the Lilywhites have been successful in tempting Brighton to accept an offer, as Roberto De Zerbi now seems set for a reunion with the 26-year-old.

Tottenham Reach Jan Paul van Hecke Agreement

via Reuters

After making a push to sign Van Hecke, David Ornstein claims that an agreement has now been reached between clubs to get a deal over the line.

The transfer, in total, is worth £52 million as a fixed amount with no add-ons, with expectation now being that the 26-year-old will put pen to paper on a long-term contract with Tottenham.

The Dutch defender had just one year remaining on his contract at Brighton, with the Seagulls reluctantly accepting that a move would happen this summer.

While reports claimed that there was interest from other Premier League clubs, namely Liverpool and Chelsea, it seemed as though the centre-back was keen on joining Spurs instead.

Van Hecke played 50 times for De Zerbi during their time together at Brighton, before the head coach moved on to roles with Marseille and now Tottenham.

The move will reunite the pair, while adding to the defensive signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi already confirmed by the Lilywhites in recent days.

This is a developing story, more to come as it breaks…

Celtic have opened talks to sign a new forward ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Sky Sports journalist Patrick Berger.

After confirming the appointment of Martin O’Neill, who was set to leave the club this summer with his contract expiring, attention for Celtic will now turn to the summer transfer window.

The Glasgow giants will be looking to bring in reinforcements to help them go to the next level after they only just secured the Scottish Premiership title last season.

It was far from a vintage title victory for Celtic, and there’s no doubt there is room for improvement.

Now the managerial situation has been resolved, there are minimal distractions and excuses for Celtic not to tackle the transfer market.

Celtic Open Forward Talks

According to Sky Sports journalist Berger, Celtic are one of the sides interested in signing Borussia Dortmund winger Cole Campbell ahead of the summer transfer window.

Campbell is open to leaving Dortmund this summer, and Celtic have already opened talks ahead of a possible move.

The 20-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, but the German club opted against triggering the option to buy him permanently.

The door has now opened for the American forward to move this summer, with Celtic one of the sides pushing to secure his signature.

Campbell’s Ambition Can’t be Questioned

It’s been a difficult period for Campbell after his failed loan move to Hoffenheim. The American star needs to get his career back on track, but it’s certainly safe to say he doesn’t lack confidence.

The 20-year-old previously claimed that he believes it is possible for him to win the Ballon d’Or, Champions League, and World Cup in the future.

Those goals certainly seem far away at this stage, but there is no harm in having ambitions in your career.

There’s no doubt Campbell needs to move away and have a successful period in order to head back in the right direction, and Celtic could be the ideal destination for him.