Manchester United could miss out on Mateus Fernandes, as Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly making swift progress in their negotiations with the player’s entourage.
The Red Devils are planning to sign at least two new midfielders this summer, and three if Manuel Ugarte is sold.
Atalanta’s Ederson has been virtually confirmed as the first arrival, while West Ham’s Fernandes emerged as the top candidate for the second spot.
Spurs on the verge of agreeing terms with Mateus Fernandes
On Saturday morning, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Fernandes is also a target for Real Madrid, but Man Utd and Spurs are ‘more aggressive suitors’.
The Italian journalist insisted that the North Londoners are posing a threat to United’s chances of recruiting the Portuguese international, despite pursuing Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
On Saturday afternoon, Romano’s associate, Matteo Moretto, revealed that Tottenham are ‘very close to reaching an agreement on personal terms with the 21-year-old’s entourage.
“Tottenham is very close to reaching an agreement with Mateus Fernandes on the contract,” posted Moretto on his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“There have still been no official negotiations with West Ham. Mateus Fernandes, also on the radar of other big clubs, is open to signing for Tottenham.”
El Tottenham está muy cerca de llegar a un acuerdo con Mateus Fernandes sobre el contrato.
Todavía no ha habido ninguna negociación oficial con el West Ham.
Mateus Fernandes, en el punto de mira también de otros grandes clubes, está abierto a fichar por el Tottenham. pic.twitter.com/IA2OE78pfI
— Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) June 20, 2026
Do Man United still stand a chance at landing Fernandes?
While an agreement between Spurs and Fernandes’ representatives would be a big blow for Man Utd, the race remains far from over.
After all, the main obstacle, whether for United or Spurs, isn’t the player’s desire to leave, but West Ham’s willingness to part ways with him this summer.
After suffering a shocking relegation to the Championship, the Hammers are determined to climb their way back to the Premier League at the first time of asking. Therefore, they will try to lock down the majority of their key players.
Nevertheless, every player has a price, and in Fernandes’ case, it is in the region of £80 million.
This hefty figure has already halted Man Utd’s momentum, as INEOS remain reluctant to spend this fee on a player with limited experience at the top level.
So unless Tottenham are prepared to meet the initial asking price and avoid a lengthy transfer saga, there could be some openings for Man Utd in the coming weeks.
Michel is a football journalist based in Beirut who has been passionately following Man United for over 20 years. He is a Law graduate and a member of the Beirut Bar Association. In addition to writing for Utd Report, he is also the Head Writer for The Laziali has been a Featured Writer on other websites including Juve FC, and The Cult of Calcio, and Stretty News.
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