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West Ham star Matheus Fernandes has reportedly decided his ‘preference’ between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Fernandes has been on the radar of several clubs in recent months, with Man Utd and Tottenham recently mooted as potential destinations for the midfielder.

The 21-year-old was one of West Ham’s top performers in their relegation season, and he is certainly good enough to play for some of the best teams in the Premier League.

Man Utd, who are in the market for as many as three new midfielders this summer, were initially mooted as the most likely destination for Fernandes, but Tottenham are making a serious play to beat them in the race to secure his services.

On Thursday, a report claimed Fernandes is in favour of a move to Tottenham,

READ: Newcastle star wants Man Utd transfer for two reasons after Romano reveals ‘active talks’

However, respected reporter Andy Mitten claims Fernandes “prefers” Man Utd over Tottenham and a deal will happen if they can settle on a fee with West Ham.

“Manchester United understand that the player [Mateus Fernades] wants to join the club,” Mitten said on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

“West Ham want the highest fee, as much money as possible and an auction situation, maybe his agent does as well and the agent is influencing the player. Jorge Mendes is the agent.

“I’m told he would play for Spurs, but prefers Manchester United.

Mitten added: “It boils down to how much United want to pay for the player. They don’t want to get into an auction situation.”

It has been suggested that Fernandes could cost around £80m this summer, and ex-Man Utd star Paul Ince thinks it is “crazy” that this is his valuation.

“Well, it’s funny… I went from West Ham to Man United for £1 million! Which is absolute madness when you look at the prices today,” Ince told TEAMtalk.

“When you are spending that type of money £80million, £110million, you expect that kind of money to be reserved for a striker who guarantees you 30 goals a season.

“Mateus Fernandes at West Ham… they’re talking £80 million for him. I mean, before he joined West Ham, he played in a Southampton side that went down; he’s now had back-to-back relegations, so to command that kind of money is crazy.”

READ NEXT: Fabrizio Romano confirms Man Utd exit ‘verbally agreed’ after Bruno Fernandes reaches verdict to stay

He added: “I know he’s technically a very good player, but when you pay that much money for midfield players, I want to see an all-rounder.

“I look at how I used to play, or Roy Keane, Patrick Vieira, Steven Gerrard – lads who went up and down, scored goals, put in massive tackles, and set up chances. Pure all-rounders.

“I don’t think a lot of these modern players are true all-rounders. So, for clubs to spend this type of money is pure madness.

“If you’re talking £120 million for Elliot Anderson… come on. Jesus Christ, that’s a lot of money!

“It’s not the kid’s fault, but if Roy Keane is valued at £300 million in today’s money, then if Anderson is worth £120 million, I’ve got to be worth at least £250 million, at least (he said with a laugh!).”

According to reports, Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali is ‘ready to sign’ for Tottenham Hotspur, having ‘given a green light’.

Tonali is considered one of Europe’s best midfielders, and he looks increasingly likely to leave Newcastle United this summer.

The 26-year-old has moved to another level since moving to St James’ Park, but it has become clear in recent months that he is ready for an upward transfer elsewhere ahead of next season.

Initially, a switch to Arsenal, Manchester City and/or Manchester United looked more likely for Tonali, but Tottenham are now making a serious play for the talented midfielder.

After narrowly avoiding relegation to the Championship, Spurs have signed Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, and they could yet make a few more statement additions.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Man Utd eye Tottenham star and ex-Man City forward

While they reportedly work on deals for Savinho, Marcus Rashford and Matheus Fernandes, Tonali is another leading target and the player is keen on a move to north London.

On Thursday evening, a report revealed that Spurs had made a ‘second approach’ for Tonali, who is claimed to ‘prefer’ Arsenal or Man City over Tottenham.

However, an update from Sky Sports claims Tonali is ‘ready to sign’ for Tottenham if they can reach an agreement with Newcastle.

Two reasons for Tonali’s stance revealed

According to the report, Tonali is in favour of the move to Tottenham becuase of head coach Roberto De Zerbi and the salary on offer.

The report claims:

‘Sky Sports News has been told the midfielder is keen to play for Roberto de Zerbi and a contract worth more than £275,000 per week would be ready and waiting for him to sign.

‘It is now down to the clubs to agree on his valuation. Newcastle have already rejected an offer worth almost £80m from Spurs – and Sky Sports News revealed on Wednesday the North Londoners are also considering bidding £85m for West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes.’

TalkSPORT are also reporting that Tonali is keen on joining Tottenham, with the player ‘giving the green light’ to De Zerbi’s side.

The report explains:

‘Broad terms between the Italian and Spurs are in place as club-to-club talks continue.

‘The Magpies have already rebuffed a Spurs bid for Tonali, which was understood to be in the region of £75m-80million, as they seek a fee in excess of £100m.’

According to reports, Tottenham Hotspur have made a request to Newcastle United in their ‘second approach’ for Sandro Tonali.

Tottenham are not messing around in this summer’s transfer window, with Roberto De Zerbi’s side looking to make significant strides forward after securing Premier League survival on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign.

The north London side have already invested around £55m to sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while they have recruited Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

Spurs have also been working on deals for Savinho, Marcus Rashford and Matheus Fernandes, while Tonali is another target.

Tonali, who is regarded as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, has been heavily linked with an exit from Newcastle in recent months, with it reported that he wants to leave following their failure to qualify for Europe.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Man Utd eye Tottenham star and ex-Man City forward

Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United were initially mooted as likely destinations for Tonali, though Spurs are now making a serious move for the talented midfielder and have failed with a £75m offer.

Now, journalist Craig Hope, who is a Newcastle United reporter for The Daily Mail, claims the Magpies have ‘rebuffed a second approach’ from Tottenham for Tonali.

A ‘second approach’ for a signing would usually involve an improved bid, but Tottenham have actually ‘asked’ Newcastle to ‘reconsider’ their initial offer.

However, Newcastle have unsurprisingly ‘swiftly knocked back’ this approach, with it noted that the Magpies want ‘closer to £100m’ for one of their leading stars.

Sandro Tonali decides next move preference

Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento have also been linked with an exit from Newcastle in recent day.

Fellow Newcastle reporter Luke Edwards claims there is no need to panic with Guimaraes, while he believes Tonali has a transfer preference.

Edwards said on X: ‘I’m pretty relaxed about the Bruno situation at Newcastle following today’s links to Arsenal. He wants a new contract at #nufc and has done for a while. I’m viewing it through that lens at the moment.

‘I also don’t think Tonali really wants to go to Spurs. I’m told he would prefer Manchester City or Arsenal. As ever let’s wait and see.

‘Any chance Newcastle could sign some new players instead of being linked with current ones leaving!!’

Mateus Fernandes is ready to join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer transfer window, according to two reliable sources, and while Roberto De Zerbi will be delighted, former Manchester United striker Michael Owen will be far from happy.

Tottenham and Man Utd are the two clubs most keen on Fernandes, who is unlikely to be at West Ham next season following the London club’s relegation from the Premier League.

Man Utd have already struck a deal with Atalanta for Ederson Silva, with the Red Devils’ co-owners, INEOS, keen on adding at least another midfielder to Michael Carrick’s squad.

Casemiro is leaving Man Utd, who also want to get rid of Manuel Ugarte this summer.

However, Tottenham have taken a big step and could end up beating Man Utd to the signature of Fernandes.

Both Tottenham and Man Utd have been in talks with Fernandes’s camp for a while, and it seems that the north London club is where the 21-year-old could be heading.

READ: Fabrizio Romano reveals Tottenham ‘working on’ £185m double ‘deal’

Mateus Fernandes ready to join Tottenham

According to reliable journalist Matteo Moretto, Fernandes has already approved a move to Tottenham, with Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi very keen on him.

Moretto posted on X at 1:19am on June 25: “Tottenham and West Ham are already negotiating for Mateus Fernandes.

“For Roberto De Zerbi, he is one of the priority signings to bolster the midfield.

“The player has already given his approval to the transfer.”

TEAMtalk has also reported that Tottenham are ‘confident’ of ‘sealing an agreement’ for Fernandes for £85million.

Spurs and West Ham are said to be in ‘advanced discussions’ for the Portuguese, who will become Tottenham’s most expensive signing if he completes the £85m move.

Tottenham are also reportedly ready to offer Fernandes ‘substantially higher wages’ than Man Utd.

The reliable news outlet, though, has added that Man Utd are not entirely out of the race for Fernandes, as the Red Devils are still in talks.

Michael Owen wants Man Utd to sign Mateus Fernandes

It now looks increasingly likely that Man Utd will miss out on the signing of Fernandes to Tottenham.

It will be hugely disappointing for Man Utd fans, and Michael Owen will not be impressed either.

That’s because on June 12, the former Man Utd striker told Metro why he wants the Red Devils to sign Fernandes.

Owen said: “Casemiro’s shoes are big shoes to fill, aren’t they?

“And you know lots of people were writing them off but he had an incredible last two-thirds of the season and big shoes to fill.

‘Personally if I was Michael Carrick if I was Manchester United, I’d be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he’s very good. I think he’s exactly what they need.

‘I think they’re going to probably be gazumped with Elliot Anderson from Man City, but there’s obviously plenty of names.

“Baleba at Brighton, there’s Scott at Bournemouth and things but if it were me I would be getting Fernandes from West Ham.”

Owen added: “I thought he was brilliant last season.

“I watched him a lot I think he’s a very good pick. He’s reasonably young which is another massive tick.

“If you’re going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don’t want to be buying someone that’s in their late 20s.

“I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable.

“West Ham have gone into the Championship and he’s not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he’s very gettable and I think he’s very good.

“I personally would be making him my first choice.”

Manchester United and Liverpool have been ‘alerted’ to the opportunity of signing Luka Vuskovic from Tottenham Hotspur in a £60million swoop, according to a report.

Vuskovic is open to leaving Tottenham as he is concerned about warming the bench in north London following the arrivals of fellow centre-backs Jan Paul van Hecke and Marcos Senesi. Brighton & Hove Albion have placed themselves at the front of the queue for Vuskovic, having agreed personal terms with his camp and submitted two bids to Spurs.

So far, Brighton have offered £30m and £45m, but both proposals were snubbed as they did not get close to Spurs’ £60m demands.

CaughtOffside claim Man Utd and Liverpool could enter into a ‘fierce battle’ with Brighton to sign Vuskovic.

Man Utd and Liverpool are keeping tabs on the 19-year-old’s situation, having been impressed by his ‘aggressive and dominant’ performances while on loan at Hamburg.

Vuskovic is a surprising goal threat too, having found the back of the net six times in 30 games while in Germany.

READ: The 20 most expensive strikers ever: Two former Man United stars make up half the top ten

United have been told it could be a significant ‘missed opportunity’ if they let the Croatia World Cup star join Brighton or Liverpool.

Vuskovic would aid United’s ‘long-term planning’ in central defence, potentially arriving as Harry Maguire’s successor.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are ‘looking for a long-term defensive solution’, and Vuskovic is one name under consideration.

The Reds have lost Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer, while Virgil van Dijk is in the twilight years of his phenomenal career.

However, it is important to note that the report seems to be suggesting United and Liverpool should move for Vuskovic, rather than their interest being active.

Other Man Utd moves more likely

Our friends at TEAMtalk revealed on Saturday that Brighton are confident about snaring the player, even after having a second bid rejected.

There are other centre-backs United are more likely to move for this summer, one of whom is Vuskovic’s Spurs’ team-mate, Micky van de Ven.

Castello Lukeba of RB Leipzig and Nottingham Forest’s Murillo are also being considered.

While United need a new centre-half, improving central midfield is their top priority during the current transfer window.

They have already agreed a £35m deal for Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson and are battling Spurs for West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes.

Recent reports have suggested Alex Scott or Carlos Baleba could arrive as a third midfield addition if Manuel Ugarte is sold.

Manchester United have identified two Premier League midfielders as ‘attainable targets’ to move for whether they beat Tottenham to the signing of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes or not.

The Red Devils have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but the INEOS chiefs are targeting further midfield additions following the departure of Casemiro and with Manuel Ugarte also thought to be on the exit ramp.

Having been priced out of a deal for top target Elliot Anderson after Manchester City made a £120m offer for the Nottingham Forest midfielder, they’ve since turned their attention to Fernandes.

Real Madrid have been sniffing around the 21-year-old, while reports have claimed Tottenham have also held talks over a possible move, as Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Spurs want to sign Fernandes and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali this summer.

Indeed, our friends at TEAMtalk revealed on Wednesday that Tottenham have made ‘significant progress’ in their attempts to sign Fernandes ahead of United.

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey added: ‘Sources have confirmed that discussions with both Fernandes‘ camp and West Ham have accelerated over the past few days, leaving Spurs increasingly confident that they can win the race for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders.

‘As a result, we can reveal that Tottenham are now readying an offer worth around £75million (€87m, $99m), a figure that would move them very close to West Ham’s initial £80million valuation of the 21-year-old.’

As per The Sun, ‘sources have doubted the seriousness of Spurs’ purported interest’ and ‘Real Madrid expect Fernandes to join Man Utd’.

And the report then claims that United could look to sign either Bournemouth’s Alex Scott or Brighton’s Carlos Baleba as a ‘third midfielder’ this summer.

Scott is thought to be valued at £70m by Bournemouth, while Brighton told United they wanted £100m for Baleba when the Red Devils made an approach for his services last summer, but it’s claimed they’re ‘viewed as attainable options’ by the INEOS chiefs.

A move for either ‘depends on whether United can shift Manuel Ugarte’, whom the club are ‘prepared to accept a small loss on’.

Man Utd given short shrift

TEAMtalk have subsequently revealed that ‘Scott remains firmly on United’s radar and that fresh enquiries have been made this week as the club continue to assess potential midfield additions’, possibly as an alternative to Fernandes, who they claim is now ‘very open to joining Spurs’ over United.

But new Cherries manager Marco Rose is adamant that he wants to keep Scott, while the club have told interested parties that the 22-year-old ‘is not available for transfer’.

The report adds:

‘The German coach is understood to view the 22-year-old as a cornerstone of his new-look Bournemouth side and believes he can become one of the team’s most influential players.

‘Sources indicate Rose has been particularly emphatic on the subject during internal discussions, making it clear that retaining Scott is a priority as he prepares for his first season in charge.’

A report has explained one of the key reasons why Roberto De Zerbi is ‘pushing’ Tottenham to sign Marcus Rashford this summer and the Spurs boss evidently has a very high opinion of the England international indeed.

Spurs narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Everton preserving their status in the English top flight.

The club chiefs are looking to get their transfer business done early this summer and have a number of ambitious targets in mind to drive them up the division after two consecutive 17th-placed finishes.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have already signed on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, while Tottenham have paid around £52m for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tottenham are bidding for a potential fourth signing in the form of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and are also battling Manchester United for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, while they are also keen to wrap up a deal for Man City winger Savinho.

Earlier this week, The i Paper claimed Rashford is ‘the next target’ on Tottenham’s summer wishlist.

Tottenham ‘would not be willing to match the £40m release clause Manchester United and Rashford have agreed upon’ but they are looking into the possibility of signing the England international at a ‘lower price’.

It is understood that ‘moving to another Premier League club is currently not on his radar’ with moves to Barcelona, Bayern Munich or even a return to Man Utd currently more appealing.

But Tottenham could still have a chance with Man Utd’s ‘position on the player, who they would prefer to move on to save on his astronomical wages, will force Rashford to reconsider his stance’.

The report adds: ‘Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be a huge fan and will push the club’s hierarchy to agree some form of deal.

‘Rashford will certainly have to take a substantial pay cut to secure his next move, something he is more than willing to do for the right step at a crucial juncture in his career.’

Solving two headaches

And now the same publication claims that Tottenham and De Zerbi have designs on Rashford as he can solve two problems.

‘Marcus Rashford is a player on their list,’ the report states. ‘Particularly as he’s seen as a player who can solve the headaches on the left and at No.9 all at once.’

Rashford impressed with 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions for Barcelona last season, playing largely from the left, sometimes down the middle, but never in two positions at the same time.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Tottenham Hotspur want to bring Sandro Tonali as well as Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham have already made four major signings in the summer transfer window, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka to be part of manager Roberto De Zerbi’s squad next season.

The north London club are now focusing on strengthening their midfield, with Newcastle United star Tonali and West Ham ace Fernandes on their radar.

Tottenham have had a bid of £80m for Tonali already turned down by Newcastle, according to Sky Sports on June 20.

TEAMtalk has reported that Newcastle want at least £100m for the Italy international midfielder.

Transfer guru Romano has claimed that Tottenham are still interested in Tonali and are “working on” a deal for the former AC Milan star.

READ: The 20 most expensive strikers ever: Two former Man United stars make up half the top ten

Tottenham ‘deal on’ for Sandro Tonali

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I stand by my news.

“Last week, out of nowhere, exclusive news – Sandro Tonali – Tottenham full stop.

“So, today, I keep mentioning Tottenham and Tonali, Tonali and Tottenham.

“I remain on my position.

“Tottenham are working on the deal to sign Sandro Tonali, and that remains the case.

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“Deal one. Tottenham – Tonali.

“I am not coming here mentioning Man City,

“I am not coming here mentioning other clubs.

“Since I told you Tonali – Tottenham last week, the other clubs are no longer mentioned by myself at least.

“Let’s follow the situation, but the deal is on.”

Tottenham want Mateus Fernandes, too

Romano has also claimed that Tottenham want to sign Fernandes from West Ham in the summer transfer window.

There is interest in the Portugal international midfielder from Manchester United, too.

Romano has long reported that West Ham want £85m for Fernandes, which means that Tottenham will have to pay £185m in total for the Portuguese star and Tonali.

Romano said about Fernandes: “Then Mateus Fernandes – one of the most intriguing cases in the recent months on the market.

“Why? Because I told you in a video also yesterday.

“The player will go to who’s offering one euro more in terms of club, so West Ham are ready to accept the best proposal, and then it’s going to be on the player, of course, but both Tottenham, Manchester United, behind the scenes, are working on this.

“Tottenham want Tonali and Mateus Fernandes – it’s not one or the other – while Manchester United already got Ederson from Atalanta, and they also want Mateus Fernandes, so both clubs are involved now.

“The story is ongoing while I record this video, both clubs are talking to Fernandes, so let’s follow the situation closely, because Tottenham are pushing to close, but Manchester United are still there for Mateus, so we have a big battle which we have to follow till the very end.”

Tottenham are still working on a deal to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali despite Fabrizio Romano removing his pinned tweet.

Spurs are already making huge progress in the summer transfer window with Roberto De Zerbi’s side securing the free transfers of Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

Tottenham narrowly escaped relegation on the final day of the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Everton seeing Spurs finish two points ahead of 18th-placed West Ham, who dropped into the Championship.

Spurs are keen to avoid being in the same situation again next season with Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke becoming their third signing last week.

And now Tottenham are looking to accelerate a deal to sign Newcastle midfielder Tonali with the Italy international believed to be available for transfer this summer at the right price.

Journalist Ben Jacobs insists that Tottenham “want to make a statement signing” this summer and Tonali is the man they are hoping to sign.

READ: Tottenham increasingly confident they will beat Man Utd to £80m Premier League star

Jacobs wrote earlier this week: ‘A fresh bid is expected. Manchester City remain active as well. Spurs want to make a statement signing with Roberto De Zerbi stressing the importance of adding in central midfield.’

Italian journalist Romano caused a stir on social media earlier this week when he removed a pinned post on X about Tottenham’s interest in Tonali.

Calming the “panic on X”, Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I saw some panic on my X because of a removed pinned tweet (about Sandro Tonali). I stand by my information: Tottenham are working on a deal for Sandro Tonali.

“I am only mentioning this: Tottenham and Tonali. I know many others are mentioning many things, different situations and different clubs. I am only mentioning Tottenham and Tonali. Let’s see.”

Newcastle legend Alan Shearer thinks Tonali swapping St James’ Park for Tottenham would add up to “a surprise career move” for the Italian.

READ:Arsenal make offer to hijack Tottenham deal for Man City star in shock loan move

Shearer told Betfair: “Tottenham just avoided relegation. I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes. But I’m not surprised if it’s true that he’s made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle.

“Again, if he doesn’t want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it, and it looks as if it’ll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100million plus and you move on.

“I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years.”

Tottenham are ‘increasingly confident’ that they will beat Man Utd to the signing of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer, according to reports.

The Red Devils have already secured their first deal of the summer transfer window with Atalanta midfielder Ederson poised to move to Old Trafford when the World Cup finishes.

Man Utd are looking to sign at least one more, maybe two new midfielders, before the end of the summer window and Tottenham could now beat them to Fernandes.

The Red Devils had looked in pole position to win the race for Fernandes with Man Utd reportedly the first team to agree personal terms with the Portugal international.

Before rumours arose of interest from Tottenham with Roberto De Zerbi’s side apparently ready to match West Ham’s asking price for the midfielder.

And now our friends at TEAMtalk have revealed that Tottenham have made ‘significant progress’ in their attempts to sign Fernandes ahead of Man Utd.

READ: ‘Money’ is the ‘only reason’ Marcus Rashford would join Tottenham, per ex-Spurs man

TEAMtalk transfer insider Graeme Bailey adds: ‘Sources have confirmed that discussions with both Fernandes‘ camp and West Ham have accelerated over the past few days, leaving Spurs increasingly confident that they can win the race for one of the Premier League’s most sought-after midfielders.

‘As a result, we can reveal that Tottenham are now readying an offer worth around £75million (€87m, $99m), a figure that would move them very close to West Ham’s initial £80million valuation of the 21-year-old.’

It is claimed that Man Utd are still ‘confident’ in a potential deal too as they are hoping director of football Jason Wilcox, who played a big role in bringing Fernandes to English football during his time at Southampton, can help them get ahead in the race.

Romano: West Ham will sell Matheus Fernandes to the club offering the best money

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano insists whoever bids the most will win the race to sign Fernandes from West Ham.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “West Ham will sell Matheus Fernandes to the club offering the best money. So West Ham don’t care if it’s called Tottenham, Man United, Real Madrid, or whatever.

READ: Arsenal make offer to hijack Tottenham deal for Man City star in shock loan move

“Manchester United have been in talks with the agent of the player for a long time and have also had direct contact with West Ham. So Man United are working hard on this deal for Fernandes, and that remains my information—Man United are there.

“Tottenham are also there, because Tottenham are pushing in a separate story compared to Sandro Tonali. Tonali is still there, so Tottenham are working on it and Manchester United are working on it. Real Madrid—the name was indicated by José Mourinho, but at the moment it is still not advancing.

“But West Ham communicated to those close to the player: ‘Bring us the proposals. We start at £85 million.’ That’s the starting price. West Ham obviously hope to get more than this with so many clubs involved, and so the idea at West Ham is to get the best transfer fee possible for Fernandes. This is going to be the way to sign the player.

“Then obviously the player can have preferences—the player can have the opportunity of a very good contract on one side, and Champions League football on the other side—so every club can present their proposal and their project. But for West Ham, in a very clear way, it is ‘best offer wins.’ That’s what West Ham will do with Fernandes.”