Manchester United have missed out on signing Mateus Fernandes after refusing to match Tottenham's £85million bid for the West Ham midfielder. Spurs have won the race to land the 21-year-old Portugal international, meeting the Hammers' asking price.
United's valuation clash
United judged the £85million fee to be outside their valuation of Fernandes, who was their top midfield target after they pulled out of the race to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest. Old Trafford sources also indicated it was unclear which club Fernandes preferred, and United have a policy of focusing on players who want to play for the club.
West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton for £38million last season. The one-cap Portugal international now looks set to join Tottenham.
Missed targets mount
The decision not to rival Tottenham means United have now missed out on both of their leading midfield targets this summer. Manchester City have agreed a £116million deal to sign Anderson from Nottingham Forest, leaving United to look elsewhere.
Despite the setbacks, United remain confident they will strengthen in midfield. They have already agreed an initial £35million deal for Atalanta's Ederson, with the Brazilian set to move once his World Cup commitments end. Last summer, United spent around £235million on Senne Lammens, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko after patient negotiations.
Alternative targets
United will now turn their attention to other midfield options. They hold an interest in Bournemouth's Alex Scott and continue to admire Brighton's Carlos Baleba.
