Tottenham are planning to battle with Manchester United for the signing of Portuguese talent.
Tottenham Hotspur are fully focused on improving their squad this summer as they look to chase a European spot next season.
Spurs have completed three signings thus far, the latest being Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion. Readymade starters are being targeted to improve the quality of Roberto De Zerbi’s starting XI. The Lilywhites are working on a deal to try and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, but face competition from Arsenal and Manchester City. De Zerbi is pushing for a move to sign Tonali to add energy, technical ability, and bite to his midfield at White Hart Lane.
Tottenham want to bring in the Italian international as the “statement signing of the summer”. Newcastle United want up to a total package of £100million to sanction Tonali’s sale, and Spurs are understood to be ready to break the bank. In addition to Tonali, they are planning another ambitious swoop.
Tottenham eye move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Tottenham are interested in signing West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Manchester United are understood to be the frontrunners for the Portuguese youngster’s signature, having held talks over wages and a fee to bring him to Old Trafford.
Mateus Fernandes, worth €50m, was one of the rare bright sparks in an otherwise dismal campaign for West Ham, which concluded in relegation from the Premier League. The 21-year-old registered seven goal contributions in 36 Premier League outings, catching the eye with his drive, tenacity, work rate, technical ability and long-range shooting.
The young Portuguese is expected to leave the Irons this summer following their relegation, and while Manchester United are holding ‘official talks’ with his agent and West Ham over a move, Tottenham are now planning to join the transfer race. Spurs’ interest in Fernandes is being driven by De Zerbi, with Ornstein adding that this deal is separate from that of Tonali’s.
Tough to beat Man United to Mateus Fernandes’ signature
Tottenham have had plenty of success in signing young talents over the years. At 21, Fernandes would represent a similar kind of signing, although he’s already got two years of Premier League experience under his belt. He has showcased his talent in the English top-flight and doesn’t belong in the Championship.
What is crystal clear is the ambition from the North Londoners to try and sign both Tonali and Fernandes. However, as far as Fernandes is concerned, Man United remain the favourites. Having openly stated that Bruno Fernandes was his biggest inspiration growing up and a major role model when he was learning the game, United certainly have an advantage over Spurs. Plus, signing both Tonali and Fernandes would be expensive for the Lilywhites.
So, it is difficult to see both Tonali and Fernandes walk through the corridors of the Hotspur Way this summer.