Tottenham may miss out on one of their midfield transfer targets this summer.
Spurs have done some strong work in the summer transfer window already, with three signings in defence being made. Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi were swift free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, while Spurs acted quickly to get a £52million deal for Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton over the line.
Now attention will turn to other parts of the pitch, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to strengthen in midfield.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Tottenham are keen to make a statement signing this summer and the central midfielders they are being linked with would certainly be that given the figures involved.
Two midfielders Spurs want to sign
Spurs are in talks over a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, with the Magpies expecting a fee in the region of £100million to get a deal done.
Meanwhile, Spurs have also been in contact with West Ham star Mateus Fernandes' representatives over a move to north London, with that deal likely to cost £80million too.
Spurs survived in the Premier League on the final day of last season at the expense of the Hammers, who will play in the Championship next season and for Fernandes that does not hold much excitement.
The 21-year-old only left Southampton to join the Hammers last summer, after the Saints were relegated to the second tier and another move may now be on the cards this year.
Tottenham face competition in their bid to sign him, however, with Manchester United having already laid a lot of groundwork for a deal.
United are in the market for at least two midfielders this summer, with Ederson already signed in a £38million deal from Atalanta, bar the official confirmation.
Tottenham and Man Utd both in talks to sign Fernandes
Fernandes is one of a number of names on their shortlist to arrive at Old Trafford and a bid is already planned.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano said: "It’s true that Tottenham called the agent of the player.
“So, Tottenham had a conversation with the agent of player and are interested in Mateus Fernandes, but at the moment, it’s still early to say where he is going.
“Tottenham calling, Manchester United in talks, Real Madrid under consideration."
Now it has emerged that Fernandes would prefer a move to Old Trafford over staying in London and signing for West Ham's bitter rivals Tottenham.