Tottenham Hotspur are now 'very close' to agreeing terms to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to Matteo Moretto, as they look to land the Portugal international and Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.
Tottenham have been making some hugely ambitious moves in the summer transfer window having narrowly avoided dropping into the Championship.
Now, under Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs are making a huge splash in the summer transfer window with moves for Andy Robertson, Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi already completed and announced.
The north London outfit are now concentrating on strengthening the team further forward, with midfield becoming a key area in recent days.
Firstly, it was confirmed by Fabrizio Romano that they are pushing to sign Tonali from Newcastle, in what would be a huge statement of intent given the Italy international has been targeted by Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United as well.
Then, it emerged from David Ornstein that the club wanted to sign Fernandes alongside the Italian, after the Irons suffered relegation.
Tottenham are also looking at the forward positions as they look to complete seven summer signings for their Italian manager.
Mateus Fernandes Open to Signing for Tottenham
Fernandes is Manchester United's top midfield target as things stand after finding deals to sign Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni too difficult to do, but they now face stiff competition from Tottenham.
According to Moretto, posting on X on Saturday afternoon, Spurs are now 'very close' to reaching an agreement with the 21-year-old 'superstar' on personal terms to make the move across the capital.
The Portugal international is open to signing for Tottenham as he looks to avoid playing in England's second tier, although there has been no club-to-club contact between them and West Ham yet.
Getting the buy-in from the player is important, but they will also be aware that it has been widely reported that the youngster is keen on a move to Old Trafford to link up with compatriot Bruno.
Another Tottenham source claimed earlier this week that the club also has an agreement on personal terms to sign Tonali.
West Ham Want £80m to Sell Fernandes
The big issue facing both Tottenham and Man United is West Ham's demands for Fernandes.
Recognising both his talent now and the huge potential he has for the future, the Irons are ready to demand £80-85m for their prized asset this summer, even though they are now a Championship club.
United will already be trying to negotiate that fee down, and then Spurs can do the same if they get confirmation that the player is willing to join them.
Despite the latest breakthrough, it feels like the Fernandes transfer saga still has a long way to go this summer.