Football365

Liverpool are facing competition from Real Madrid for RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande and are already looking at other targets, according to reports.

The Reds have already sealed a deal to sign Victor Munoz from Osasuna this summer as they beat Newcastle United to the Spain international last week.

Liverpool won’t stop there though, as they look to sign another winger this summer. with Diomande emerging as their main option to strengthen the wide areas.

Andoni Iraola’s side have been sparked into action after Mohamed Salah revealed in March that he would be leaving the club, while Cody Gakpo’s form last season was underwhelming.

There were rumours on Tuesday that Liverpool had reached an ‘agreement’ with Diomande over personal terms and that a club-to-club deal remains the final potential stumbling block.

Media Foot revealed: ‘According to our sources, an understanding exists between the English club and Diomande’s representatives.

READ:Transfer rumour ranking: Will Xhaka force Chelsea move? Man Utd react to Spurs

‘All that remains is for the club’s management to convince Leipzig regarding the transfer fee.’

Fabrizio Romano explained last Sunday how a deal for Diomande could be complicated by Leipzig’s desire to keep the Ivory Coast international for another season.

On Liverpool’s interest, Romano said on his YouTube channel: “First of all, they still dream of keeping Yan Diomande.

“They are trying to tell Diomande, they are trying to tell his agents: stay one more season here at RB Leipzig, sign a new contract, get a very good salary, put a release clause, and in summer 2027 you go wherever you want.

“You can pick the new club, they don’t have to reach out to us as Leipzig, they pay the clause and you decide the best project, the best contract, whatever. This is what they are saying from Leipzig.”

Romano added: “But on the other side, the player is very tempted by leaving the club now, this summer, without waiting one more season even if they have Champions League football.

READ:Agent lets slip Van Dijk is ‘about to leave’ Liverpool after Alisson strikes ‘personal agreement’

“And Diomande really considering the possibility to leave immediately.”

And now reports in Spain claim that Liverpool have more competition for Diomande as Real Madrid head coach Jose Mourinho ‘sees him as Vinicius Junior’s replacement’.

The report adds: ‘Jose Mourinho believes Diomande can provide immediate depth and become a key attacking player for many years. His arrival would also allow for a reorganisation of a forward line currently affected by the futures of Vinicius and Rodrygo. However, paying over €120 million for a player with only one full season at the top level represents a significant financial risk.

‘The reality is that Real Madrid hasn’t finalized a deal, and Diomande hasn’t chosen a destination either. What is clear, however, is that his cheap opportunity vanished when he left Leganes. Now, if the club wants to beat out the Premier League and PSG , it will have to make an investment. Otherwise, the player touted as the new Vinicius will end up becoming just another star spotted too late.’

Liverpool ‘lurking’ for Diomande alternative

And now German outlet FussballDaten have revealed that Liverpool are ‘lurking’ for Diomande alternative Said El Mala, who could leave Cologne this summer with Tottenham and Newcastle also interested.

The Bundesliga side ‘would only open negotiations for a net transfer fee of around €50 million, with the total package expected to increase further through performance-related bonuses and sell-on clauses’.

FussballDaten adds: ‘The English top club wants to rejuvenate its attack and achieve a first-class squad rotation. Liverpool plans to officially approach El Mala depending on the progress of its primary transfer targets.

‘Particularly in the event of potential difficulties or a stall in the Diomande transfer, there is strong speculation that the Merseyside club could knock on Cologne’s door and provide a substantial budget for the young star, whom they consider an important Plan B.’

Tottenham Hotspur are in the final stages of a deal for Sandro Tonali, who has turned down the chance to join Manchester City and wants to play for Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi, according to reports.

Tonali’s days at Newcastle look numbered, with Tottenham accelerating their quest to sign the Italy international midfielder.

Tottenham have had a bid of £80million for Tonali turned down by Newcastle, as reported by Sky Sports on June 20.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano subsequently reported that Tottenham are still keen on Tonali and were working on a deal for the midfielder, who was described as “a superstar player” by Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson on talkSPORT on February 4, 2026

Tonali has already reached an agreement on personal terms with Tottenham, who are now in the final stages of getting a deal done with Newcastle, according to the Italian media.

Newcastle have always maintained their stance that they want £100m for Tonali, and it has now emerged that Tottenham are willing to meet their demands and make the midfielder their most expensive signing in history.

READ: Man Utd make ‘new contacts’ with £85m midfielder after Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffers huge exit blow

Tottenham ‘finalising Sandro Tonali deal’

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla has reported on his website: “Tottenham are finalising the Sandro Tonali deal with Newcastle, breaking the £100 million mark for the player.

“The agreement with Tonali and his entourage was reached some time ago, a step up from the £8 million plus a couple of bonuses agreed last October when he renewed his contract with Newcastle until June 30, 2029.

“Now we’re trading in double figures: £12-13 million fixed base per season plus generous bonuses.

“All that remains is to wait for the deal to be finalised.”

Another well-known Italian journalist, Gianluca Di Marzio, has reported that Tonali is adamant that he will join Tottenham and play under fellow Italian Roberto De Zerbi, despite Manchester City making an offer for him.

TuttoAtalanta has quoted Di Marzio as saying on podcast Caffe Di Marzio that Tonali has been “inundated with lucrative offers from many big clubs, including Manchester City”, but he “is determined to honour his word to Roberto De Zerbi”.

Along with Tonali, Tottenham are also trying to sign Mateus Fernandes.

Manchester United, too, are in the race for the Portugal international midfielder, with Romano saying that the West Ham United star has not made a final decision on his future.

Romano said on his YouTube channel about Fernandes: “Guys, I still stand by my own call on this deal.

“And so, for Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United and Tottenham are still fighting.

“Tottenham have been there for days, trying to enter, pushing with the player, pushing with his agent, but Manchester United remain in contact with West Ham.

“Manchester United are still working on the Mateus Fernandes deal.

“So, West Have been clear with the agent of the player.

“The player will be sold to the best offer, to the club offering the most money.

“So, who offers one penny more is getting the player from West Ham.

“And Mateus Fernandes has opened doors to both Tottenham and Man Utd.

“So, now depends on West Ham.

“If West Ham accept Utd bid, he goes to Utd.

“If Tottenham win the race, he goes to Spurs.

“So, the story is open, and from what I am told, Man Utd are yet to give up on Mateus Fernandes.

“So, for sure, a story to follow for one of the most wanted midfielders around, because, for Mateus Fernandes, there are many clubs keen, really many clubs keen, many others already called.

“He was mentioned by Real Madrid in the conversation with Jose Mourinho three weeks ago.

“Then there has been a call from Liverpool at the end of May to ask about the situation.

“So, many clubs interested in Mateus Fernandes, but now Man Utd and Tottenham pushing like crazy to get the deal done.

“And let’s see who’s going to win this race.”

Manchester United have made contact with Mateus Fernandes again and have offered him an improved deal, according to a journalist, as the club’s co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, suffers a major blow in his quest to get rid of Manuel Ugarte.

Tottenham Hotspur have been making inroads for a deal for Fernandes, with TEAMtalk reporting this week that the north London club are ‘confident’ of sealing a deal for the West Ham United midfielder.

The reliable transfer news outlet claimed on June 25 that Tottenham and West Ham were in ‘advanced discussions’ for Fernandes over a £85million deal.

The report, though, noted that Man Utd remain keen on the 21-year-old and were still in talks for the midfielder.

Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reported that Fernandes has approved a deal to Tottenham.

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

READ: Fabrizio Romano reveals whether Mateus Fernandes has decided between Man Utd and Tottenham

“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.”

However, the reliable journalist has now claimed that Man Utd are back in for Fernandes and are ready to offer him an improved deal.

Man Utd accelerate Mateus Fernandes deal

Moretto wrote on X at 9:56am on June 27: “Manchester United is back in the chase for Mateus Fernandes.

“In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign.

“Manchester United also plans to hold direct talks with West Ham.

“Tottenham remains in the race and has pressed hard in recent days, but now United is trying to get ahead.”

Manuel Ugarte injury bad news for Man Utd

Man Utd making “new contacts” with Fernandes follows a terrible injury for Manuel Ugarte at the 2026 World Cup.

Ugarte played for Uruguay against Spain and had to be stretched off, as his side lost the match 1-0 to get knocked out of the competition.

The Man Utd midfielder collided with his Uruguay international teammate, Mathias Olivera while the pair chased Spain’s Pedri.

The 25-year-old appeared to catch his studs in the turf and injure his knee and was eventually taken off the pitch on a stretcher.

Ugarte was in tears, and it is very likely that he will be on the sidelines for months.

This will come as a bitter blow for Ugarte, as, like any other footballer, he would want to play and not spend time on the sidelines with an injury.

Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe will also be hugely disappointed by Ugarte’s injury, given that the INEOS chief has been planning to sell him.

The Athletic reported back on April 23 that Man Utd will make Ugarte ‘available for transfer’.

INEOS chief Ratcliffe was not impressed with Ugarte’s performance for Man Utd against Leeds United at Old Trafford in April and personally wants to get rid of the Uruguayan.

However, the potentially long-term injury to Ugarte means that Ratcliffe’s plan to offload the midfielder will not come to fruition.

Fabrizio Romano has claimed that West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes has not decided whether he will join Manchester United and play under Michael Carrick or move to Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd and Tottenham are the two clubs most determined to get a deal done for Fernandes in the summer transfer window.

With West Ham having been relegated from the Premier League, the London club are resigned to losing the 21-year-old Portugal international midfielder.

However, West Ham value Fernandes at £85million and are refusing to lower their transfer demands.

There have been reports that Fernandes has approved a move to Tottenham, even though Man Utd remain in talks for the youngster.

A Man Utd reporter has claimed that Fernandes prefers a move to Old Trafford.

READ: Jacobs reveals Alvarez to Man Utd transfer truth as Arsenal could sign two attackers

Amid contradictory reports, transfer guru Romano has claimed that the midfielder has yet to decide between Man Utd and Tottenham.

Mateus Fernandes undecided between Man Utd and Tottenham

Romano said on his YouTube channel about Fernandes: “Guys, I still stand by my own call on this deal.

“And so, for Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United and Tottenham are still fighting.

“Tottenham have been there for days, trying to enter, pushing with the player, pushing with his agent, but Manchester United remain in contact with West Ham.

“Manchester United are still working on the Mateus Fernandes deal.

“So, West Have been clear with the agent of the player.

“The player will be sold to the best offer, to the club offering the most money.

“So, who offers one penny more is getting the player from West Ham.

“And Mateus Fernandes has opened doors to both Tottenham and Man Utd.

“So, now depends on West Ham.

“If West Ham accept Utd bid, he goes to Utd.

“If Tottenham win the race, he goes to Spurs.

“So, the story is open, and from what I am told, Man Utd are yet to give up on Mateus Fernandes.

“So, for sure, a story to follow for one of the most wanted midfielders around, because, for Mateus Fernandes, there are many clubs keen, really many clubs keen, many others already called.

“He was mentioned by Real Madrid in the conversation with Jose Mourinho three weeks ago.

“Then there has been a call from Liverpool at the end of May to ask about the situation.

“So, many clubs interested in Mateus Fernandes, but now Man Utd and Tottenham pushing like crazy to get the deal done.

“And let’s see who’s going to win this race.”

Michael Owen wants Man Utd to sign Fernandes

Former Man Utd striker Michael Owen believes that Fernandes would be a great signing for Carrick’s side.

Owen told Metro on June 12: “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.”

Tottenham have struck a ‘total agreement’ with Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali as Spurs are now ‘confident’ of completing the transfer, according to reports.

Roberto De Zerbi’s side are looking to avoid being dragged into another relegation fight again next season after doing some impressive early summer transfer business.

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

Spurs have made strengthening their midfield another priority with Newcastle United midfielder Tonali emerging as their top target, while they are also looking to sign West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that Tottenham are the main club in for Tonali with a “deal on” for the Italy international this summer.

Romano said on his YouTube channel: “I stand by my news. Last week, out of nowhere, exclusive news – Sandro Tonali – Tottenham full stop.

READ: Matheus Fernandes decides ‘preference’ between Man Utd, Tottenham as deal hinges on one condition

“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. Deal on. 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.”

On Thursday, Italian journalist Nicolo Schira revealed that Tottenham were preparing to make a second offer for Tonali this summer.

READ: Tottenham: Sandro Tonali salary revealed with Newcastle star ready to sign for two reasons

Schira revealed: ‘Excl- This Week #Tottenham will submit to #Newcastle a new bid to try to sign Sandro #Tonali. The midfielder has already given his availability to #THFC for a contract until 2032. There are also other two PremierLeague’s Clubs at the window for the midfielder. So Spurs pushing.’

And on Thursday, Daily Mail journalist Craig Hope revealed that Newcastle had ‘rebuffed a second approach’ from Tottenham for the Italian midfielder.

Tottenham reach ‘total agreement’ over six-year deal

And now Schira is back on Friday to reveal that Tottenham have now got a ‘total agreement’ with Tonali for a six-year contract and are ‘confident’ of reaching a fee that Newcastle will accept.

Schira added on X: ‘Excl. – Total agreement between Sandro #Tonali and #Tottenham for a contract until 2032 (12M/year). #THFC are now confident to reach a deal with #Newcastle to sign the midfielder, who wants to leave #NUFC and has chosen to join #Spurs (Roberto #DeZerbi had a key-role).’

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.