Mateus Fernandes is reportedly keen to pursue a move to Tottenham Hotspur despite having already agreed personal terms with Manchester United, according to Spanish outlet Diario AS. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder is expected to leave West Ham this summer following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
Transfer Race Heats Up
Fernandes, who joined West Ham from Southampton last summer in a deal worth £38 million plus £4 million in add-ons, impressed during his debut season with the Hammers. Several top clubs have shown interest, including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Tottenham. However, Arsenal have reportedly withdrawn from the race and shifted focus to Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, while Real Madrid have ruled out a move and turned their attention to Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez.
Fernandes Favours Tottenham
According to Diario AS, Fernandes has expressed a clear desire to move to Tottenham, believing he would have more chances for regular playing time to aid his development. This development comes as a blow to Manchester United, who had already agreed personal terms with the player. Transfer journalist Nicolo Schira reports that Spurs are now in talks with West Ham, aiming to overtake United and secure a statement signing for manager Roberto De Zerbi's midfield.
Price Tag and Competition
West Ham are holding out for a fee of around £80 million for Fernandes. Tottenham are reportedly willing to pay more than Manchester United for the 21-year-old. Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan told The United Stand: “What I’ve heard relatively recently is Spurs have come in, and Spurs are surprising people, not just at United, across the Premier League. The way it was described to me, they’ve gone really aggressive with the amount of money that they’re willing to spend. My information is that Spurs are already at the higher end of what United would be happy to pay for him. There is a belief that he still wants to come and play for United, but it’s not just players, there’s agents involved, it tends to be that the player goes to whoever’s offering them the most money.”
Other Tottenham Targets
In addition to Fernandes, Tottenham are exploring a deal for Sandro Tonali but saw their first bid of £75 million rejected by Newcastle United. Former Manchester United striker Michael Owen urged his former club to do everything possible to sign Fernandes, telling Metro: “Personally, if I was Michael Carrick, if I were Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need. I watched him a lot. I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there.”
