Tottenham Hotspur are ready to deal Manchester United a transfer blow with manager Roberto De Zerbi wanting the club to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to David Ornstein.
Man United are holding 'official' talks with the Portuguese star's agent and the Irons over a transfer move, but now Tottenham are ready to join the race for his signature.
The Red Devils may have the buy-in of the 21-year-old, who is keen to link up with Portuguese compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford, but they are yet to agree a fee with the Irons.
Meanwhile, Spurs appear to be the busiest Premier League club in the summer transfer window, having already confirmed two signings in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi, while they have also agreed a deal worth £52m to sign another centre-back in Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Now, attention appears to have turned to bolstering their midfield, with the north Londoners already in negotiations to sign Joao Palhinha on a permanent basis, with the 30-year-old giving priority to remaining at Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano, despite reports he wants to return to Portugal.
Tottenham are now also ramping up their efforts to sign two more Premier League midfielders.
Ornstein: De Zerbi Wants Tonali and Fernandes at Tottenham
GIVEMESPORT senior correspondent Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this week that Tottenham had made an enquiry for West Ham star Fernandes, and now Athletic journalist David Ornstein says that the interest in the 21-year-old 'superstar' is being driven by De Zerbi.
The midfielder's future has been thrown into doubt by the fact that the Hammers have been relegated to the Championship, with Fernandes already deciding 12 months ago that he didn't want to play at that level after Southampton suffered the same fate.
Tottenham are also working on a deal to try and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, and according to Ornstein, De Zerbi and Spurs are keen to bring in both players.
The north Londoners will face competition for Fernandes' signature from Man United, who have held talks over wages and a fee to bring him to Old Trafford.
Expensive Double Deal for Tottenham
While De Zerbi is keen for Tottenham to show ambition and sign both Tonali and Fernandes, it will be easier said than done.
Newcastle United are said to be demanding a total package worth around £100m to let the Italy international leave St James' Park, while West Ham have set a valuation of £80m on Fernandes' head.
Tottenham may have signed Senesi and Robertson for nothing, but they have already spent in excess of £50m on Van Hecke, so it will be interesting to see what budget they are working with for the rest of the window.
Spurs are also in negotiations over a move for Manchester City winger Savinho, who again is likely to cost north of £60m, 12 months on from their initial interest in the Brazilian.
What is clear is the ambition from Tottenham and De Zerbi to move back up the Premier League after two successive 17th-placed finishes.