Man Utd confident of signing Portuguese star before Arsenal

Manchester United are confident of landing the signature of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes ahead of Arsenal this summer.

The Red Devils are eager to strengthen their midfield department and have already secured an agreement to land Ederson from Atalanta.

They are aiming to land another defensive midfielder and reports claim that Fernandes has been earmarked as one of their top targets.

The Times claim that United now have the upper hand over Arsenal in the pursuit of the 21-year-old, given the Gunners won't meet the price tag.

The Premier League holders have closely monitored the Hammers ace for the past few weeks, but won't be matching the reported £80m valuation.

United have been reluctant to meet the price tag in recent weeks, but there has been a change of stance, and they are more likely to pay the fee.

Real Madrid are also keen on landing the Portuguese ace, but Fernandes is expected to give priority to the Red Devils, who are his boyhood club.