Manchester United pushed hard to sign Mateus Fernandes but Tottenham are set to win the race for the West Ham midfielder after they agreed to pay a guaranteed fee of £85million
Tottenham have blown Manchester United out of the water by agreeing an £85million deal for Mateus Fernandes. Spurs offered the highest bid for Fernandes, 21, who's poised to make the move across London.
The Portuguese was among United's top targets for the summer transfer window, as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield. But Mirror Football understands that £85m is well above their valuation, paving the way for Tottenham to win the race.
Fernandes became United's priority after they pulled out of a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. In similar circumstances, the Red Devils weren't willing to match the £116m bid which Manchester City have been successful with.
It leaves United scouring the market for an alternative, with midfield stalwart Casemiro leaving upon the expiry of his contract on Wednesday. Carrick's side have, though, agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta to sign holding midfielder Ederson.
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As for Tottenham, Fernandes is expected to become their fifth summer signing. Spurs have already wrapped up deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka - each one a free transfer - while they paid Brighton £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.
Like United, Tottenham are now focussing on midfield. With Yves Bissouma due to leave when his contract expires and Joao Palhinha's loan having come to an end, there's now the possibility of another departure after Lucas Bergvall informed club chiefs that he wants a new challenge.
Roberto De Zerbi's men narrowly avoided relegation at West Ham's expense and have capitalised on the Irons needing to bring in funds. Jarrod Bowen is another West Ham star who several Premier League clubs are interested in.
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The sale of Fernandes represents a huge profit for the Irons, who bought him from Southampton for £38m a year ago. Although he was unable to help West Ham avoid dropping to the Championship, the 21-year-old impressed with his consistent performances.
Fernandes scored four goals and registered four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. He also made his debut for Portugal in April, although he missed out on Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad for the World Cup.