Tottenham Hotspur have joined Manchester United in the race for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to The Athletic.
Spurs manager Roberto de Zerbi admires Fernandes and is pushing for his signature.
Tottenham’s interest in the Portuguese is separate from their pursuit of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Man United lead the race for Fernandes
United have made Fernandes their ‘leading target‘ after concluding a deal for Atalanta’s Ederson.
The young midfielder has also been linked with Real Madrid and Arsenal this summer, but he prefers to join the Red Devils.
Man United have already held talks with Fernandes’ representatives and West Ham, but are reluctant to pay his £80 million valuation.
With Fernandes preferring a move to United, the Hammers could eventually reduce their asking price for the Portugal international.
The East London side need to raise £150m this summer following their relegation to the Championship. Fernandes is one of their most valuable assets.
The 21-year-old impressed for West Ham last season, recording five goals and five assists in 42 appearances across all competitions.
Fernandes offers physical presence in midfield, excelling in duels and recovering possession. His strength also allows him to evade pressure and carry the ball into advanced areas.
The former Southampton star also stands out in possession with his progressive passing ability, making him an all-round midfielder.
Fernandes would form a perfect combination with Kobbie Mainoo in manager Michael Carrick’s two-man central midfield pairing.
Meanwhile, United are already lining up alternative targets should they miss out on the Sporting CP academy graduate.
Fulham’s Sander Berge is being considered, while Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba remains on their radar after a failed pursuit last summer.
Stats from transfermarkt.com