Tottenham are said to be on the verge of bidding for a Manchester United target as they look to fulfill a position of need this summer. Spurs have already snapped up three new signings this summer, signing Jan Paul van Hecke for big money, while they have also added free agents Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi.
Roberto De Zerbi is being given a war chest this summer, although the North London club's recruitment is not exclusively manager-led. The Italian is getting a say after keeping Spurs in the top flight, but the club's recruitment chiefs are also having input, and that is no different when it comes to the midfielder search, which is now hotting up after a bid for Sandro Tonali was rejected.
Fernandes becomes the focus
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderlandvia Reuters
Spurs tried to sign Tonali from Newcastle United for £75million, only to see their bid rejected. According to TeamTalk, they have now turned their focus to West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, and they are preparing to make a bid.
It's claimed Tottenham will now make a bid of the same value to West Ham for the 'quick' Portugal international, who was seen as one of the most promising young players in the Premier League last season.
The 21-year-old 'superstar' was a shining light in a struggling West Ham's midfield, with Nuno Espirito Santo describing his season as 'fantastic', and he will have immediately been considered by plenty of Premier League clubs after the Iron were relegated.
Manchester United have been heavily pursuing Fernandes, reportedly engaging in conversations coming into the summer, but they are yet to make a formal bid. Spurs are now expected to do just that, and that could see them beat the Red Devils to the chase.
It will be interesting to see if United now make a move of their own, and there will be concern from Spurs if they do, given Michael Carrick can offer Champions League football next season, while Spurs have no European football at all to offer.
Midfield transfer battle inevitable for Spurs and Man Utd
Michael Carrick Manchester United manager (2026)via Reuters
Spurs and United were perhaps always likely to come up against each other in this midfielder search. Both clubs are in need of midfielders, with Yves Bissouma having left Spurs, while United have lost Casemiro this summer.
Midfielders who can hold down the fort in midfield while also having an eye to get forward are always in demand, and there aren't enough quality options to meet demand. Beyond that, United and Spurs both have a particular interest in proven Premier League commodities, which further narrows down the list.
The crossover was always likely, and this particular transfer battle could see this summer transfer window reach exciting territory at a time when many expected it to be quiet due to the World Cup. Meanwhile, West Ham will be hoping this bidding war is just getting started.
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