Football365

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is set to have his medical tests in London today ahead of a summer transfer to Tottenham, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season by beating Everton 1-0 and now the Spurs hierarchy are looking to give Roberto De Zerbi everything he needs in the summer transfer window.

There had been rumours that Tottenham were in danger of losing their best players but that fear has turned into delight at the early-summer moves Spurs have been making.

Tottenham have already made four signings with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka joining on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke arrived from Brighton in a deal worth £52m.

Mateus Fernandes is reportedly the next deal to be completed after Tottenham jumped ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign the West Ham midfielder.

Romano revealed on Wednesday: ‘Mateus Fernandes has permission to undergo medical tests as new Tottenham player. Green light from West Ham as they receive £85m fixed fee, a club record signing for Tottenham.’

READ: Tottenham superstar ‘wants to leave’ and break Roberto De Zerbi’s heart

And later that day Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to a deal for Tonali too after Tottenham agreed a record deal with Newcastle for the Italy international.

The journalist posted on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree record deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, HERE WE GO!

‘Agreement between clubs closed and also on player side with the Italian midfielder.

‘Fee higher than £85m paid for Mateus Fernandes.’

The Athletic’s David Ornstein also confirmed an agreement with the journalist confiriming a fee rising to as much as £100m.

READ: Tottenham agree Vuskovic sale with large fee helping Spurs go ‘all in’ on Tonali

Ornstein wrote on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur reach agreement with Newcastle United to sign Sandro Tonali.

‘Deal for 26yo Italy international to join #THFC from #NUFC £92.5m + £7.5m in potential add-ons based around multiple Champions League qualifications @TheAthleticFC.’

Tonali is travelling to London today for Tottenham medical

And now Romano has revealed on Monday morning that Tonali is now travelling to London today to undergo his medical at Tottenham.

Romano posted on X: ‘Understand Sandro Tonali will be in London today with agents and family to undergo medical at Tottenham.’

Speaking last month, Newcastle legend Alan Shearer warned Tonali that Tottenham may not be the best move for his career.

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.”

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal with Newcastle United to bring Sandro Tonali to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The transfer guru has stated that Tottenham will pay Newcastle a club-record fee for the Italy international midfielder.

Romano has said that the fee for Tonali is more than the £85million that Tottenham are paying West Ham United to sign Portugal international midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

The journalist posted on X at 7:32pm on July 1: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham agree record deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, HERE WE GO!

“Agreement between clubs closed and also on player side with the Italian midfielder.

“Fee higher than £85m paid for Mateus Fernandes.”

READ: Tottenham superstar ‘wants to leave’ and break Roberto De Zerbi’s heart

Tottenham to pay £100m for Sandro Tonali

The Athletic journalist David Ornstein has reported that Tottenham will pay Newcastle £92.5m for Tonali, with £7.5m in potential add-ons.

The trusted journalist posted on X at 7:32pm on July 1: “EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur reach agreement with Newcastle United to sign Sandro Tonali.

“Deal for 26yo Italy international to join #THFC from #NUFC £92.5m + £7.5m in potential add-ons based around multiple Champions League qualifications @TheAthleticFC”

The £100m fee that Tottenham will pay Newcastle is a club record for the north London outfit.

It will make Tonali the most expensive player in Tottenham’s history as well as the most expensive Italian footballer.

Mateo Retegui is the most expensive Italian player in history at the moment.

Saudi Pro League club Al Qadsiah paid Serie A outfit Atalanta €68m (£59m) in the summer of 2025 to sign the 27-year-old Italy international striker.

Once Tonali’s deal officially goes through, the midfielder will replace Retegui on the list.

Tottenham finished 17th in the Premier League table last season for the second year in a row, but the north London outfit are rebuilding under manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Jan Paul van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have already joined Tottenham.

Tottenham have also struck a deal with West Ham for Fernandes, who was the subject of interest from Manchester United, too.

Tottenham Hotspur central defender Cristian Romero wants to leave in the summer transfer window, despite manager Roberto De Zerbi’s desire to keep him, according to a journalist.

Romero is one of the best defenders in the Premier League and is under contract at Tottenham until the summer of 2029.

The Argentina international defender signed a new contract with Tottenham only last summer.

Romero, though, has been consistently linked with a move away from Tottenham.

There have been reports that Manchester United want to sign Romero from Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

Barcelona and Real Madrid have also been linked with Romero, who is part of the Argentina squad at the ongoing 2026 World Cup.

READ: Newcastle reach decision on accepting £90m Tottenham bid for Sandro Tonali

Cristian Romero wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, Romero wants to leave Tottenham.

The Italian reporter, who has 127,000 followers on X, has claimed that Tottenham manager De Zerbi wants to keep the former Atalanta star.

Barcelona and Atletico Madrid are interested in Romero, and so are Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Longari posted on X at 10:30am on July 1: “Cuti Romero wants to leave Tottenham despite De Zerbi’s high regard for him.

“The Argentine defender is being closely followed by Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.

“Costs too high for the Italian clubs, which still appreciate him as much as Inter does.”

Romero won the Europa League with Tottenham in the 2024/25 campaign.

The defender has been a huge success with Argentina, winning the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

As Tottenham face the prospect of losing Romero this summer, the Premier League club have already sanctioned a deal for Luka Vuskovic.

The 19-year-old Croatia international defender spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan at German club Hamburg from Tottenham and is now off to Brighton and Hove Albion.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano posted on X at 3:54pm on July 1: “EXCLUSIVE: Brighton agree deal to sign Luka Vušković from Tottenham, here we go!

“£46m fixed fee plus sell-on clause to bring the potential package over £50m.

“Massive signing for #BHAFC after personal terms also agreed.”

Romano added at 4:30pm: “More on Luka Vušković to Brighton exclusive story.

“Fee confirmed: £46m fixed, £4m add-ons, 20% sell-on, matching rights for Tottenham and contract until June 2031.

“Medical in the US.”

Tottenham have launched a gigantic club-record bid worth around £90m for Sandro Tonali, and sources have outlined whether Newcastle will say yes.

Tottenham are breaking their transfer record for Mateus Fernandes, though at £85m, the Portuguese won’t hold the honour for long.

Spurs are striving to go even bigger for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. Our colleagues over on TEAMtalk broke news earlier this week of Tottenham and the Italian ironing out personal terms.

If completing the switch, Tonali would pocket just under £300,000-a-week when factoring in bonuses.

With that aspect of the deal sealed, it’s up to Tottenham to put monster money on the table, just as they did when blowing Manchester United away for Fernandes.

An initial offer of £75m was predictably turned down by Newcastle. But on Wednesday afternoon, multiple sources confirmed Spurs have thundered back in with a bid understood to be worth roughly £90m.

READ NEXT: England XI v ‘scary’ France in World Cup final named early

Tottenham launch club-record £90m bid for Sandro Tonali

Gianluca Di Marzio was among the first to break the news, declaring: ‘Sandro Tonali has never been so close to joining Tottenham.’

He added: ‘Newcastle’s final response to Spurs’ latest offer, slightly above €100 million, is now awaited.’

€100m currently equates to £86m, and according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook and trusted reporter, Ben Jacobs, the Spurs bid is actually up towards £90m.

Jacobs explained on X: ‘Spurs have made a new bid for Sandro Tonali worth around £90m.’

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano dropped a hint Spurs might see their club-record offer met with a yes from Newcastle.

Also reporting on X, he posted a simple tweet responding to the news containing three emojis.

When quote-tweeting his original post that broke news of Tottenham entering the race for Tonali, he posted an eyes emoji, a fire emoji, and a white circle to symbolise Tottenham.

But according to both Crook and Jacobs, Newcastle are NOT expected to accept Tottenham’s £90m bid.

DON’T MISS: 2030 World Cup managers predicted: England appoint Poch, Southgate rescues Germany after Klopp disgrace

Newcastle holding out for £100m

Instead, both reporters claimed Eddie Howe’s side are holding firm on their £100m valuation, and thus the onus is now on Tottenham to return with a more suitable third bid.

‘New #THFC bid in for Sandro Tonali worth around £90m. #NUFC still likely to hold out for more,’ wrote Crook.

Jacobs added: ‘Newcastle hoping for £100m. Talks between clubs continue. Spurs remain optimistic.’

Spurs and Newcastle have also met in the middle regarding the future of Archie Gray.

Newcastle saw a bid for the 20-year-old midfielder knocked back on Wednesday, with Tottenham obviously believing Gray would represent a worthy successor to Tonali if he does take flight.

According to Romano, that story won’t end there, with Newcastle remaining interested in Gray despite their opening offer being rejected.

Newcastle United ‘remain interested’ in Tottenham midfielder Archie Gray despite having a bid turned down by Spurs, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Tottenham have already been very busy in the transfer market by bringing in four new signings after the Spurs board look to avoid being in a relegation battle again next term.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all arrived at Tottenham on free transfers, while Jan Paul van Hecke has joined from Brighton in a deal worth around £52m.

And it now looks like Tottenham could break their transfer record twice in a week as they close in on the signings of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “It’s done—Matheus Fernandes will play for Tottenham Hotspur and not for Manchester United. Man United have been in conversation for a long time with Fernandes until Tuesday morning. I can guarantee to you that before lunchtime, Manchester United were still in contact with the agent of the player, still in contact with West Ham.

“But what made the difference is the transfer fee, because Manchester United were not matching the £85m valuation in full. They were never going to pay £85 million in full, but they were prepared to reach £85 million including add-ons.

READ:Transfer rumour ranking: Arsenal accept bid for starter as Man Utd, Gunners fight over Scott

“Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fee—a fixed fee, no add-ons, no future stories. West Ham have the guarantee they wanted. £85 million for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.

“De Zerbi was pushing like crazy behind the scenes to get Fernandes. It was not easy for Tottenham to get the green light from the player with Man United involved to play in Champions League football. Tottenham were in trouble till the final day of the Premier League season, so it’s a completely different situation.

“But now we can say that Tottenham have agreed all terms with Matheus Fernandes and also with West Ham. So, £85 million—the most expensive deal in history for Tottenham.

“Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali. So we have to see also the outcome of that conversation between Tottenham and Newcastle, but for sure they are working very hard to rebuild the midfield.”

READ:Roberto De Zerbi’s dream Tottenham XI for 26-27: Rebuild with SEVEN new signings…

An £85m deal for Fernandes would break Tottenham’s transfer record, while there have also been claims that a new bid has gone in for Tonali worth in excess of €100m (£86m), which would eclipse the amount potentially spent on the West Ham midfielder.

Gray exit if Tottenham get Tonali over the line?

And now Tottenham are batting off bids for their players with Newcastle, who own Tonali, looking to bring in a replacement for the Italian in the form of former Leeds United star Gray.

Romano wrote on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle send offer to Tottenham for Archie Gray, rejected by Spurs. Spurs made their position clear following the approach, with no agreement reached between the clubs at this stage. Told #NUFC remain interested, while Spurs stance is unchanged for now.’

Mateus Fernandes has been given the ‘green light’ by West Ham to undergo a medical at Tottenham, according to reports, but Spurs are looking to eclipse that deal with their latest offer for Sandro Tonali.

Spurs avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season with a 1-0 win over Everton, and the Tottenham hierarchy are determined not to face the same situation next term.

Tottenham have already completed four signings in the summer transfer window with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka all arriving on free transfers from Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively, while Jan Paul van Hecke has joined in a deal worth £52m from Brighton.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano and other widespread reports revealed on Tuesday that Tottenham had beaten Manchester United to the signing of West Ham midfielder Fernandes.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “It’s done—Matheus Fernandes will play for Tottenham Hotspur and not for Manchester United. Man United have been in conversation for a long time with Fernandes until Tuesday morning. I can guarantee to you that before lunchtime, Manchester United were still in contact with the agent of the player, still in contact with West Ham.

“But what made the difference is the transfer fee, because Manchester United were not matching the £85m valuation in full. They were never going to pay £85 million in full, but they were prepared to reach £85 million including add-ons.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Arsenal accept bid for starter as Man Utd, Gunners fight over Scott

“Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fee—a fixed fee, no add-ons, no future stories. West Ham have the guarantee they wanted. £85 million for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.

“De Zerbi was pushing like crazy behind the scenes to get Fernandes. It was not easy for Tottenham to get the green light from the player with Man United involved to play in Champions League football. Tottenham were in trouble till the final day of the Premier League season, so it’s a completely different situation.

“But now we can say that Tottenham have agreed all terms with Matheus Fernandes and also with West Ham. So, £85 million—the most expensive deal in history for Tottenham.

“Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali. So we have to see also the outcome of that conversation between Tottenham and Newcastle, but for sure they are working very hard to rebuild the midfield.”

Fernandes ‘medical’ at Tottenham and Tonali offer

And now Romano has revealed that West Ham have provided the ‘green light’ that will see Fernandes undergo a medical at Tottenham after Spurs had a £85m bid accepted.

READ: Roberto De Zerbi’s dream Tottenham XI for 26-27: Rebuild with SEVEN new signings…

‘Mateus Fernandes has permission to undergo medical tests as new Tottenham player. Green light from West Ham as they receive £85m fixed fee, a club record signing for Tottenham.’

Tottenham could break their transfer record again this week with Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla indicating that Spurs have made another ‘offer’ of over €100m (£86m).

Pedulla wrote on X: ‘#Tonali: the announced offer from #Tottenham to #Newcastle is ready to close (over 100 million euros) #Tonali is getting closer to #Tottenham from #Newcastle.’

Sport Mediaset revealed earlier this week that Tottenham were ‘confident’ of finalising a deal for Tonali and ‘hope to close the deal this week’.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is reportedly ‘getting closer’ to completing a move to Tottenham despite Man City wanting to hijack the deal.

Spurs have already made big strides in the transfer market with the Tottenham hierarchy getting four deals over the line ahead of the start of the new season.

Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have all moved to Tottenham on free transfers from Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively, while Jan Paul van Hecke has arrived from Brighton in a deal worth £52m.

And Fabrizio Romano revealed on Tuesday that Tottenham are close to wrapping up their fifth signing of the summer with Spurs set to beat Manchester United to the signing of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “It’s done—Matheus Fernandes will play for Tottenham Hotspur and not for Manchester United.

“Man United have been in conversation for a long time with Fernandes until Tuesday morning. I can guarantee to you that before lunchtime, Manchester United were still in contact with the agent of the player, still in contact with West Ham.

READ: Bergvall a ‘fancy Dan’ who’ll never be ‘top class’ and Tottenham won’t miss him – ex-Spurs man

“But what made the difference is the transfer fee, because Manchester United were not matching the £85m valuation in full. They were never going to pay £85 million in full, but they were prepared to reach £85 million including add-ons.

“Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fee—a fixed fee, no add-ons, no future stories. West Ham have the guarantee they wanted. £85 million for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.

“De Zerbi was pushing like crazy behind the scenes to get Fernandes. It was not easy for Tottenham to get the green light from the player with Man United involved to play in Champions League football. Tottenham were in trouble till the final day of the Premier League season, so it’s a completely different situation.

“But now we can say that Tottenham have agreed all terms with Matheus Fernandes and also with West Ham. So, £85 million—the most expensive deal in history for Tottenham.

READ: Romano reveals Tottenham ‘next move’ after Fernandes with £85m star set to undergo medical

“Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle for Sandro Tonali. So we have to see also the outcome of that conversation between Tottenham and Newcastle, but for sure they are working very hard to rebuild the midfield.”

Tottenham set to avoid Man City hijack for Tonali

Their deal for Tonali had seemingly come into doubt on Tuesday with reports from Spanish newspaper Marca claiming that Manchester City are ‘preparing’ to hijack Tottenham’s transfer.

The report added that Man City are ‘prepared to push for over €110 million, which would be another blockbuster transfer in the Premier League this season.’

However, reliable Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has revealed that Tottenham are ‘getting closer’ and not further away from signing Tonali from Newcastle.

Schira wrote on X: ‘Excl. – Sandro #Tonali is getting closer to #Tottenham from #Newcastle for a transfer fee over €100M. The midfielder has a total agreement with #THFC for a contract until 2032 (€12M/year) and has given his availability to De Zerbi, who had a key-role to convince him despite other two bids from top english clubs. #transfers.’

Fabrizio Romano has named Tottenham Hotspur’s ‘next’ transfer target after Matheus Fernandes, who is ‘set for a medical’.

Spurs are really not messing around in this summer’s transfer window, with the north London side so far doing the most business of the Big Six clubs.

After avoiding relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the 2025/26 campaign, Roberto De Zerbi‘s side have made four signings. They have bought Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, while they have landed Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka on free transfers.

Tottenham have also been targeting Man City star Savinho, but they have recently been focused on overhauling their midfield.

They have been linked with several options, but they have made a serious play for Fernandes and have now beaten Manchester United to sign him in a deal worth £85m.

Several reputable reporters stated on Monday that Spurs have reached an agreement with West Ham, and Sky Sports are now reporting that he is ‘set for a medical’ to complete this move.

READ: Tottenham agree to pay Newcastle more than £100m for Sandro Tonali after personal terms sealed

And Fabrizio Romano has now stated that Tottenham will turn their focus back to landing Newcastle star Sandro Tonali.

“Tottenham arrived with an £85 million guaranteed fixed fee, no add-ons, no future-sell-on clauses. West Ham got the guarantee they wanted. I told you the price three or four weeks ago: £85 million to sign Matheus Fernandes,” Romano said on his YouTube channel.

“And now the player has been signed for £85 million. I told you in a video two days ago that the payment terms would be important — they didn’t want a structure with too many add-ons or complicated routes to the price.

“Now the price has been reached in full: £85 million, for a player strongly wanted by Roberto De Zerbi.

“We’ll keep following the next moves, because Tottenham remain in conversations with Newcastle over Sandro Tonali. We’ll have to see how that develops too. But for sure they’re working hard to rebuild the midfield.”

Tottenham “optimistic” over Sandro Tonali

Journalist Ben Jacobs, meanwhile, has stated that Spurs are “optimistic” over signing Tonali and their “idea” is to sign both players.

“Spurs view Sandro Tonali as a separate transfer to Mateus Fernandes. Idea is to do both,” Jacobs said on X.

“Manchester City the other club tracking Tonali. #MCFC also want a second midfielder after Elliot Anderson.”

Speaking on Monday, Jacobs said: “Spurs continue in talks to sign Sandro Tonali and are optimistic the Italian midfielder wants to join.

“Roberto De Zerbi is understood to a key factor in his decision-making process. Manchester City and Arsenal also hold an interest.

“Newcastle United have already rejected one formal offer worth around £80m, but club-to-club negotiations are ongoing.

“Separate from Mateus Fernandes where Spurs and Manchester United are both in talks with West Ham.”

According to reports, Manchester United have chosen their next midfield signing after it emerged that Matheus Fernandes is joining Tottenham Hotspur.

The Red Devils are prioritising a midfield overhaul in this summer’s transfer window, though this is not entirely going to plan.

Michael Carrick’s side have struck a deal to sign Ederson Silva from Atalanta for around £38m, but their plans have been complicated by Manuel Ugarte suffering a serious knee injury.

Man Utd have also missed out on Manchester City-bound Elliot Anderson, while it has now emerged that they will not sign Fernandes from West Ham.

In recent weeks, it had become clear that Fernandes was United’s leading target after Ederson, though a move was proving difficult due to West Ham’s £85m valuation and competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

READ: Transfer rumour ranking: Fernandes agreement struck as Chelsea in talks for obscure defender

Unlike Spurs, Man Utd have shown an unwillingness to pay over the odds to sign Fernandes and other targets, and this has led to them missing out on the 21-year-old midfielder.

On Tuesday evening, respected reporter David Ornstein revealed that Tottenham had won the race to sign Fernandes after offering £85m for the midfielder.

Ornstein said on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur win race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. Spurs submitted highest proposal (believed to be ~£85m guaranteed) & 21yo #WHUFC midfielder opted to join #THFC. Numbers beyond where #MUFC willing to go.’

Now, our colleagues at TEAMtalk have broken down why Fernandes has chosen to join Tottenham over Man Utd.

Unsurprisingly, the money on the table is one factor, but it is not the most prominent reason for this deal going through.

Instead, the report claims Fernandes has been convinced by Roberto De Zerbi’s project at Tottenham, while he is also keen to remain in London.

The report explains: ‘Sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations have confirmed to TEAMtalk that Fernandes ultimately chose Tottenham because of his belief in Roberto De Zerbi’s vision for the club.

‘While Spurs’ financial package is understood to be superior to that offered by Man Utd, Fernandes’ camp have insisted the move was “not simply a case of joining the highest bidder.” Instead, the midfielder was won over by De Zerbi’s plans, the direction of the project in north London and the opportunity to remain in the capital.’

Manchester United’s next midfield target named

Now, journalist Ben Jacobs claims Man Utd have turned to Bournemouth standout Alex Scott as an alternative, while there are also other targets on their radar.

‘Manchester United set to explore Alex Scott after missing out on Mateus Fernandes,’ Jacobs said on X.

READ NEXT: Romano reveals whether Rashford wants to play under Carrick after ‘direct contact’ from Man Utd

‘Spurs to pay £85m for Fernandes, a figure #MUFC were not prepared to meet.

‘Fernandes never communicated to either club a sole preference, leaving it to both to negotiate with West Ham.

‘Bournemouth want Scott to sign a new deal and are prepared to offer him a release clause within in. They value Scott around £80m.

‘Arsenal, Manchester City, Spurs and Chelsea other clubs to watch. Arsenal already directly informed on Bournemouth’s stance.

‘#MUFC also have Aurelien Tchouaméni and Carlos Baleba on their list, and Spurs and Manchester City target Sandro Tonali is appreciated. Cost of deal would need to drop for #MUFC to proceed. Sander Berge another name discussed.’

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly beaten Manchester United in the race to sign West Ham standout Matheus Fernandes in a ‘record’ deal.

In recent weeks, it has become clear that Spurs and Man Utd are the main competitors in the race to sign Fernandes following his breakout season for West Ham.

Man Utd initially seemed to be leading the race to land Fernandes, but it has emerged in recent weeks that Tottenham are making a serious play to secure his services.

And while the Red Devils have been measured in their approach and have refused to overpay for Fernandes, Tottenham have already shown a willingness to pay silly money for Jan Paul van Hecke and they are now doing the same with the West Ham star.

On Tuesday evening, respected reporter David Ornstein took to X to reveal that Spurs have now officially beaten Man Utd to sign Fernandes.

READ: Tottenham agree to pay Newcastle more than £100m for Sandro Tonali after personal terms sealed

Tottenham to sign Matheus Fernandes in ‘record’ deal

Ornstein said on X: ‘EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham Hotspur win race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United. Spurs submitted highest proposal (believed to be ~£85m guaranteed) & 21yo #WHUFC midfielder opted to join #THFC. Numbers beyond where #MUFC willing to go.’

Shortly after, Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Spurs have an ‘agreement’ with West Ham over Fernandes.

Romano said on X: ‘BREAKING: Tottenham agree club record deal for Mateus Fernandes, HERE WE GO!

‘Agreement in place at £85m fixed fee as West Ham accept the price they’ve always asked, 100% guaranteed — as @David_Ornstein reports.

‘Man United will now focus on different targets in midfield.’

Journalist Ben Jacobs, meanwhile, has revealed Man Utd’s hope with the Fernandes deal before Tottenham accelerated to finalise a deal.

Jacobs explained on X: ‘BREAKING: West Ham accept an offer from Spurs in the region of £85m, as @David_Ornstein called.

‘Spurs’ interest in Fernandes exclusively revealed on @talkSPORT.

‘Manchester United pushed hard to sign Fernandes but put off by West Ham’s valuation.

‘Fernandes also never made his club preference clear. #MUFC had hoped he would commit leaving them in a stronger position to negotiate.’

This is a blow for Man Utd, who could not turn to a cheaper alternative for their next midfield signing after Ederson Silva. Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba and Adam Wharton have all been mooted as options.

For Tottenham, though, this is another huge statement of intent. They have already signed Van Hecke, Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, while they are targeting Sandro Tonali and Savinho.