United had been considered the leading candidates for the 21‐year‐old, with West Ham standing firm on an £80million asking price. However, Spurs thrust themselves into contention earlier this week, with talks reported to have moved in a promising direction.
Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reports that Spurs are now 'very close' to reaching an agreement with Fernandes, who is said to be open to the switch.
However, it's claimed that formal negotiations with West Ham are yet to begin. As such, it remains to be seen if Tottenham will be prepared to meet the player's £80m asking price.
They may try to negotiate a lower fee, given that the relegated Hammers aren't exactly in the strongest position to make huge demands.
Landing Fernandes would represent yet another considerable triumph for Tottenham as the club push ahead with a wholesale rebuild.
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi has spearheaded the revamp and has already been backed in the transfer market with the signings of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
United are said to have identified Fernandes as a leading transfer target with Michael Carrick eager to sign at least two central midfielders.
However, with Tottenham now in a promising position, it seems they could be powerless to stop the deal from slipping through their fingers.