Tottenham Hotspur have moved ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with reports suggesting the north London club are 'very close' to agreeing personal terms with the 21-year-old.
Fernandes impressed during his debut season at the London Stadium, attracting interest from several top clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. United had been considered favourites to land the Portugal international, with West Ham holding firm on an £80 million valuation.
However, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, Tottenham have now emerged as serious contenders and are on the verge of striking a deal with the player. Fernandes is believed to be open to the move, although official negotiations between Spurs and West Ham have not yet begun.
Spurs' Summer Rebuild Gains Momentum
Tottenham have been active in the summer transfer window, already securing the signings of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, as well as Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million. Landing Fernandes would represent another significant coup for the club as they look to rebuild after two consecutive 17th-place finishes in the Premier League, narrowly avoiding relegation last season.
United's Midfield Plans
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has already bolstered his midfield by signing Ederson from Atalanta, but he remains in the market for further reinforcements as the club prepares for a Champions League campaign. Elliot Anderson is another target, though Manchester City is considered his most likely destination.
United have also been linked with West Ham's Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who is expected to leave the London Stadium ahead of the 2026/27 season. Everton's Iliman Ndiaye is viewed as a potential attacking addition, while the club continues to seek a left-back.
Departures are also anticipated at Old Trafford. Rasmus Hojlund has already completed a permanent move to Napoli, and Manuel Ugarte is expected to follow Casemiro out of the club. The future of Marcus Rashford remains uncertain, with his chances of a permanent transfer to Barcelona diminishing following the signing of Anthony Gordon.
