Football365

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.”

Arsenal have made an attempt to beat Tottenham to the signing of Savinho by offering to take the Manchester City winger on loan, according to reports.

The Gunners are hoping to bring in a number of new faces in the summer transfer window as the Arsenal hierarchy look to back Mikel Arteta following a successful season.

Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time in 22 years and boosted their finances significantly by reaching the Champions League final, where they lost on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Gunners have made it a priority to strengthen in attacking areas with wide positions a particular area they are looking to improve on.

Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola and Juventus’ Kenan Yildiz have been heavily linked, while they are closing in on a deal for Leicester City youngster Jeremy Monga.

After losing the Champions League final to PSG, Arteta admitted that Arsenal are going to have to be “very ambitious” in the summer transfer market to push themselves to the next level.

READ:Arsenal given priority to sign ‘betrayed’ star in record-breaking deal for top target

Arteta said: “We start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level. And we’re going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it’s going to demand to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”

Shortly after, Fabrizio Romano revealed that fans could expect a “busy” summer for Aesenal as they target three or four players.

Romano revealed: “Arsenal are still very satisfied with what they did [in January], but in the summer they’re going to be busy.

“I think there could be three, four signings for Arsenal, also based on exits, but there will be movement up front. I already told you, winger is an absolute priority for Arsenal. A striker is a possibility, in midfield and at right-back.

“Arsenal have been searching for players since January already, that in January they didn’t find the right opportunity, and so they didn’t want to waste their money.”

And now long-term Tottenham target Savinho has emerged on the Gunners’ radar with RTI Esporte claiming that Arsenal ‘expressed interest in a loan’ move for the Man City winger.

READ:Jose Mourinho reveals what he truly thinks of Arsenal style under Mikel Arteta

However, talks with Man City ‘did not progress’ after Arsenal had their loan bid rejected and the Citizens ‘made it clear that they would only accept a permanent transfer for the player’.

Giving further details on Savinho’s future: ‘At this moment, Manchester City’s position is one of caution. The English club considers Savinho an important asset for the future, but admits the possibility of negotiation if an offer is deemed appropriate.

‘To release the striker permanently, Manchester City has set a price close to 50 million euros (R$ 294.1 million at the current exchange rate). The amount reflects the player’s projected growth and the investment made in his signing from Brazilian football.’

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Tottenham are about to make Martin Dubravka their fourth signing of the summer.

Tottenham have made huge progress in the summer transfer market already with three signings in the door before the start of July.

Spurs have secured deals for Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively, while Jan Paul van Hecke joined from Brighton a transfer worth £52m.

Tottenham are looking to secure Roberto De Zerbi some early deals to make sure they don’t find themselves in relegation trouble again next season after avoiding the drop by two points last term.

And now Romano has revealed that former Burnley and Manchester United goalkeeper Dubravka will sign as he gave his famous ‘here we go’ confirmation to the deal.

Romano wrote on X: ‘Martin Dubravka to Tottenham, here we go! Deal agreed for former Burnley and Man United goalkeeper to join #THFC. Move completed today with Dubravka set to be backup GK at Spurs behind Kinski. Guglielmo Vicario to leave this summer.’

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

Giving more information on Vicario, Romano added: ‘Guglielmo Vicario, set to leave Tottenham with Italian clubs keen on the goalkeeper. Juventus are informed in case Aston Villa price for Dibu Martínez doesn’t drop. Napoli monitoring Vicario if they can sell a GK this summer, one of the names on the shortlist.’

Tonali and Savinho to be Spurs’ fifth and sixth signings?

Manchester City winger Savinho is another rumoured target for Tottenham as they look to strengthen their attack, while they are expected to make a second bid to Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali.

Reliable journalist Ben Jacobs said on Tottenham’s interest in Tonali after Newcastle rejected a £75m opening offer: “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.”

READ: Where would Sandro Tonali fit in the 20 most expensive midfielders ever? He’s already in…

Romano also added last week: “Tottenham entered the race strong to sign Sandro Tonali and Sandro Tonali is open to joining Tottenham. Tottenham are real contenders to sign Sandro Tonali, Tottenham are strong contenders for Sandro Tonali and Tottenham are very serious.

“It’s a bid, it was sent three days ago. Tottenham sent an official bid, £75million, rejected by Newcastle, they want more. The first bid is never getting accepted, it’s normal and common knowledge in football that when you want to negotiate for a top player with a big transfer fee that the first bid never gets accepted.

“It’s part of the plan, because for Tottenham it was the message sent to the player and to Newcastle as well, but especially the player, to show that they are serious.

“It’s not the bid we need to talk about now, Tottenham remain in conversations with those close to Tonali and Tottenham remain in conversations to make a new bid. Tottenham are there and working for Tonali, they are working very hard and very strong to get Sandro Tonali.”

Former Tottenham scout Bryan King has told Tottenham the “only reason” Marcus Rashford will join the club this summer is a big payday.

Spurs have already sorted their defence this summer, with moves for Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. They are now looking further up the field, with midfielders and attackers in mind.

Rashford has come onto their radar, after Barcelona let their £26million option to buy slip away, and reports subsequently emerged that the forward has a £40million release clause for everybody expect Manchester City and Liverpool.

Tottenham are believed to be preparing a move for the England forward, and while it’s said they don’t want to pay the release, it’s money that could get them Rashford.

Former Spurs scout King told Tottenham News: “I think he would be a better signing than what they’ve got.

“If he goes back to Barcelona he gets Champions League and the same with Manchester United. If he wants to get out of Man United, I’m surprised Barcelona haven’t signed him permanently.

“The only reason he would go to Tottenham at this stage is for the money.”

Barcelona move looks unlikely

Rashford has maintained a desire to head back to Barcelona, but after they signed Anthony Gordon for £70million, his spot seems to have gone.

But even since that move was made, he’s continued to look favourably on a return to the Nou Camp, and it’s therefore not clear if he’d accept a move elsewhere.

As King suggests, United have Champions League football, so staying there would not be the worst shout, and some reports have suggested that Michael Carrick is willing to bring Rashford back from the wilderness.

READ: Where would Sandro Tonali fit in the 20 most expensive midfielders ever? He’s already in…

But from the board’s point of view, the winger is clearly worth selling, and wages of around £300,000 per week are not something they want to continue paying.

Whether Spurs would pay that could fairly be questioned, given it’s said they don’t even want to pay the £40million which would gift them the chance to negotiate with Rashford.

Some reports have also suggested that the United man would drop his wage demands for the right move, but it seems at the moment that the only move he sees as right is one back to Barcelona, where last season he notched 28 direct goal contributions.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that West Ham will sell to the highest bidder this summer in a blow to Man Utd after Tottenham make clear their intention.

The Red Devils have already sealed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta with rumours that he had a medical in New York ten days ago.

But Man Utd are still looking for one, possibly two more midfielders, as well as a left-back and left-winger as priority before potentially moving on to other positions.

It has been clear in recent weeks that Man Utd have made Fernandes their top target with a deal for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson becoming too expensive.

There are widespread reports indicating that Man Utd have already agreed personal terms with Fernandes ahead of a potential summer move.

Romano has revealed that Man Utd and Tottenham are both pushing to sign Fernandes but that West Ham are only interested in money.

READ: Six reasons why Man Utd want £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes…

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.

“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.

READ: Man Utd want USMNT star as ‘smart rebuild’ option for Carrick

“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.”

Tottenham are willing to pay West Ham’s price for Man Utd target Fernandes

And that information from Romano could be a bad thing for Man Utd, as the Daily Mail claim that Tottenham have indicated that they are ‘prepared to meet the £85m asking price’ with some doubt as to whether the Red Devils want to bid that high.

The report adds: ‘They remain in talks with the Hammers without yet making a formal bid, but it’s been clear for some time that the player’s personal terms would not be an obstacle.

‘Bournemouth’s Alex Scott could be one of the first options United turn to if they cannot sign Fernandes, although he would be a cheaper alternative – and so would his team-mate Tyler Adams, who has admirers at Old Trafford.’

Tottenham defender Cristian Romero has reportedly told Tottenham he ‘wants to stay’ despite looking almost certain to leave – but it might be too late.

Romero has been a central part of Spurs’ side for all of his five years there. While injuries and suspensions have scuppered the Argentine and frustrated those connected with the club, when he’s there, he’s a great defender whose passion is evident.

That passion appeared to have waned at the back end of the season, when Romero returned to Argentina to watch his former club rather than watch the last game of Tottenham’s season – that decision was reversed, and he was in the building as they beat Everton to stay in the Premier League.

But it seemed to be a sign that he wanted to leave, and amid interest, namely from Atletico Madrid, it’s looked likely that he’s going to leave.

But SportsBoom now reports Romero has told Tottenham he ‘wants to stay’ in order to drive the club’s revival after a poor campaign.

The outlet refers to the decision as a ‘shock change of heart’ with club chiefs made aware that the Argentine is ‘happy’ to remain in north London.

Indeed, his preference is now to remain there, though he wants assurances over the club’s direction.

Those include guarantees on the long-term vision and recruitment plans, with a rebuild on the cards.

Romero wants to lead by example as Tottenham head in a new direction, wanting to ‘remain at the heart’ of the project.

It may be too late for Romero

But the direction that the club is going could be away from Romero, and after his actions and the reports that have come out, it would be hard to begrudge them that.

The Argentine hasn’t shown commitment to his side, and they have already begun to shape their defence in a different way.

Of last season’s preferred centre-back partnership of Romero and Micky van de Ven, though both have some big clubs interested in them, it’s long been suggested that the latter wants to stay and will indeed be doing so.

READ: Tottenham ‘overtake’ Man Utd for Fernandes who ‘prefers’ Spurs move as Real Madrid pull plug

He is now joined in the defence by Marcos Senesi and £52million signing Jan Paul van Hecke, both of whom had good Premier League seasons last term.

That’s three top-quality centre-backs, alongside options such as Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin.

Romero’s decision might have come too late, with the new boys surely expecting large roles and having joined the club for those.