Tottenham are embroiled in a battle with Manchester United to sign West Ham midfielder.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United appear to be the most interested in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Portuguese youngster is expected to leave West Ham this summer following their relegation to the Championship. The Hammers signed the midfielder last summer from Southampton in a deal worth around £38million, and are said to want £80million to sell 12 months later.
Manchester United boss Michael Carrick wants to revamp his midfield unit after the departure of Casemiro and speculation surrounding Manuel Ugarte, and he has made Mateus Fernandes a key target. After holding talks with the representatives of Fernandes, the Red Devils believe that the 21-year-old wants to join them, and that stance remains the same even after Tottenham’s entry in the race. However, there appears to be a twist in the tale now.
Manchester United could cool interest in Mateus Fernandes
According to The i Paper, Man United are not prepared to match West Ham’s £80 million asking price. This could lead to the Red Devils cooling their interest in the player, who does not want to play in the Championship.
£80 million is a sizeable asking price, but Fernandes’ age, potential, attributes and Premier League experience explain why the Hammers are demanding so much. Even though the Irons are under pressure to raise funds to balance the books and satisfy the PSR, they remain in a strong position to ask for such a fee due to the youngster tied to a long-term deal.
Nonetheless, United’s unwillingness to fulfil West Ham’s financial demands should come as a welcome boost for Tottenham in their pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder. The Lilywhites’ interest in the ex-Sporting CP man is not weak, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to add more technical quality, athleticism and energy to his midfield.
Recent reports suggest that Spurs are making progress in their efforts to reach an agreement on personal terms with Fernandes. The N17 bosses want to sort out a broadline agreement on the player’s side before opening official talks with West Ham. Plus, the player is understood to be open to becoming a part of De Zerbi’s project, which should excite our fans.
With United being put off by West Ham’s asking price for the one-cap Portuguese international, the time is right for Tottenham to strike.