The Peoples Person

Manchester United are refusing to back away from their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes.

At one point, the figures at United saw Fernandes as a market opportunity, as there was a feeling West Ham United could be forced to part ways with their midfielder at a reasonable fee following their relegation.

However, Tottenham Hotspur’s willingness to pay a premium for Fernandes has allowed the Hammers to remain firm on their £85 million valuation.

Now, the two suitors are seemingly trying to gain some leverage in their negotiations with the Championship side by winning over the player’s camp.

Manchester United turn Mateus Fernandes’ head

According to Claret & Hugh, Manchester United and Tottenham have agreed personal terms with Mateus Fernandes.

The report states Fernandes was earning £20k-a-week at Southampton before signing a deal worth £60k-a-week plus £15k-a-week in bonuses with West Ham United last year.

Now, it is claimed both United and Spurs are offering approximately £130k-£140k a week. The lucrative proposals have reportedly “turned the player’s head.”

Accordingly, the 21-year-old midfielder is expected to depart the London Stadium this summer despite having four years left to run on his current contract.

United may have tabled a massive offer to Fernandes, but they have no desire to meet West Ham’s demands.

Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7

Source: Sofascore

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs recently detailed: “But Manchester United are still in formal talks with West Ham, and what I sense here is both Man United and Spurs are waiting to see if they can get that communication from the player that he only wants to join a particular club – and then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate with West Ham United.”

At the same time, INEOS are thought to be working on a contingency plan should they miss out on their priority target.

Manchester United also in talks with Alex Scott

Recently, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United think the London outfit’s asking price is too high.

It is understood United have held talks with the representatives of Bournemouth livewire Alex Scott, as they believe a fee under £80m could be agreed with the Cherries for their English midfielder.

Time is running out for both United and Fernandes, and one party will have to make a strong push in order to unite at Old Trafford. INEOS would hope their offer and ambitious project would be enough for the Portuguese youngster to force West Ham to lower their demands.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United are refusing to give up hope of striking a deal for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to a new report.

Primary Target

Fernandes, 21, has emerged as the priority target at Old Trafford for the midfield rebuild, with a £39 million deal already struck to sign Atalanta’s Brazilian enforcer, Ederson. Despite facing successive relegations, first with Southampton and now with West Ham, the Portugal international is one of the most in-demand talents on the market this summer.

Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7

Source: Sofascore

United are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in the hunt for Fernandes, while Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have both expressed interest.

The Red Devils were considered frontrunners after receiving the green light from the player over a switch to M16. However, West Ham’s price tag – believed to be as high as £80 million after signing him for £42m last summer – is far beyond INEOS’s valuation, which is closer to the £60m mark.

This has allowed Tottenham Hotspur to storm into the race by signalling their intention to match the Hammers’ demands. Spurs have also held talks with Fernandes’ camp, with the youngster open to moving across London.

United make fresh contact

Since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford in 2024, INEOS have steadfastly sought to shift away from the mistakes of the previous hierarchy, who would invariably overpay for signings.

Nottingham Forest talisman Elliot Anderson was the primary target to replace Casemiro heading into summer. However, the Tricky Trees wanted a fee in excess of £100 million to let the 23-year-old England international leave the City Ground.

This led United to pivot towards Fernandes, with Manchester City eventually agreeing a £116m deal for Anderson, making him one of the best-paid players in the Premier League at the same time. There is a sense of déjà vu with Tottenham’s attempts to hijack United’s pursuit of the Portuguese midfielder, though INEOS appear ready to ensure a different outcome this time.

However, Matteo Moretto reveals United, spearheaded by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have made fresh contact with Fernandes’ camp, led by super agent Jorge Mendes. There is a willingness to offer improved terms to convince him to reject Spurs’ advances, and a plan to hold “direct talks” with West Ham.

The Italian transfer expert confirms Tottenham have “pressed hard” this week to find a breakthrough, but United are now “trying to get ahead” again, having led the race for weeks prior.

Final Thoughts

The market for midfielders this summer is as competitive as it is expensive. Virtually every top club in England is on the hunt for reinforcements in the engine room, with Manchester City’s club record deal for Anderson now a benchmark for pricing.

While Manchester United may wish to stick to their frugal guns on Fernandes, the cost of an alternative target – such as Bournemouth maestro Alex Scott – is unlikely to be any cheaper. Holding fresh talks with the West Ham star in hopes of staving off Tottenham Hotspur’s interest is likely a recognition of this reality.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are going toe-to-toe for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Both sides are trying to rebuild their engine room, and in doing so, they find themselves battling for the Hammers’ all-action midfielder.

The Portuguese stands out as a versatile, all-round central midfielder who seamlessly balances elite defensive work with high-level ball progression and creativity.

Signing him would solve most of a team’s midfield problems. For Michael Carrick specifically, his versatility could see him turn out as a six, an eight, or even a ten if needed. He is a true plug-and-play midfielder, and they do not come around often.

Too good for the Championship, the Hammers are expected to sell him, but on their own terms. For West Ham, the 21-year-old is not leaving for anything less than £80 million.

United are unwilling to match that figure, while Tottenham have looked capable of doing so but have yet to make their move.

Tottenham Hotspur’s latest ploy to beat Man United to Mateus Fernandes

The latest interesting development in the race for Fernandes comes from the Tottenham camp.

As per Claret and Hugh, the North London side are considering a creative approach: “Spurs may dangle the carrot by offering West Ham Mikey Moore.”

The Spurs youngster was a hit on loan at Rangers last season, and “allowing him to join West Ham on a season-long loan could prove to be a very useful bargaining chip.”

West Ham stand firm

However, that is unlikely to move the Hammers. As the report goes on to clarify:

“West Ham are expected to stand firm on their £80–85 million valuation of the Portuguese midfielder, irrespective of whatever carrots are dangled to sweeten the package.”

In the end, it comes down to who meets the East London side’s asking price.

Ineos are reluctant to overpay and have threatened to walk away, with a cheaper move for Alex Scott emerging as an alternative.

Whether they stick to that stance or ultimately give in to West Ham’s demands remains to be seen, particularly with Manchester City’s £130 million agreement for Elliot Anderson serving as a reminder of just how inflated the market has become.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both locked in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes, with a deadline now emerging for a final decision from the West Ham United midfielder, according to a transfer expert.

Main Target at Old Trafford

The Red Devils have pivoted towards Fernandes as their priority target after a failed pursuit of Elliot Anderson, who looks set to join Manchester City in a record-breaking deal instead.

Sporting director sporting director Jason Wilcox is understood to be leading the drive for the 21-year-old, having previously signed him for Southampton, who he left last year to join West Ham for £38m.

Real Madrid superstar Aurélien Tchouaméni remains a ‘dream’ option for INEOS, but there is acceptance that luring the Frenchman from the Santiago Bernabéu will be as costly as it is difficult.

However, the East London club have stuck to their guns, placing an £85 million price tag on the Portugal international’s head. United value him closer to the £60 million mark, leading to weeks of protracted negotiations between the two clubs.

Fernandes is said to have given his approval to a switch to Old Trafford, with the prospect of playing alongside Bruno Fernandes in the Champions League of particular appeal to the Sporting Clube de Portugal academy graduate.

But the reticence to meet West Ham’s valuation has allowed Tottenham to storm into the race with an aggressive hijack. Despite the rivalry between the two London clubs, the Hammers are content to sell to the highest bidder – which looks set to be Spurs, with United beginning to explore alternative targets.

Tottenham are understood to be prepared to table an offer which reaches £85 million, though the exact parameters of payment may not be accepted by West Ham.

Deadline is set

Speaking to the United Stand, Ben Jacobs confirms each rival is continuing to negotiate with West Ham to strike a deal.

The talkSPORT reporter reveals Tottenham are willing to put “serious money” down to beat the Red Devils to the punch, leading to “optimism” in North London that their offer will be accepted first after receiving a green light from Fernandes.

Jacobs claims both clubs have “danced around” tabling offers in hopes of pressuring West Ham to accept a lower price through verbal proposals, but the next stage is now for an official bid to be presented.

However, he goes on to state West Ham’s resolve to hold out for a fee they deem acceptable has been bolstered by a £90 million cash injection from co-owner Daniel Křetínský. The Czech businessman has increased his share of the Hammers to 43% following David Sullivan’s decision to resign as chairman in the wake of serious historic allegations.

This financial boost has eased the pressure to balance the books at the London Stadium by 30 June, considered a key date suitors had in mind to try and leverage a cheaper deal for Fernandes. Regardless, Jacobs concludes that a decision on which offer the midfielder wants to accept is expected imminently, which will then influence that club’s ability to negotiate with West Ham.

“Hopefully in the next day or two, or certainly by the time we get to the end of the month, that direction of travel as to which club the player wants will be there, and then that club might be able to still shave some of the money off as far as the negotiations with West Ham are concerned.”

Final Thoughts

Increasingly, it looks as if Tottenham Hotspur’s willingness to pay over the odds for Fernandes is their only advantage in the race with Manchester United. Unfortunately for the powers that be in M16, it is the only one they need to seal a deal with West Ham, even if the player may prefer to wear red over white next season.

Should the choice come down to staying in East London in the Championship, or moving to North London to play for a ‘top six’ Premier League side, Fernandes will be forced to give up on a ‘dream’ move to the Theatre of Dreams in reluctant favour of the only option available to him.

Manchester United are running out of time to strike a deal for Mateus Fernandes as Tottenham Hotspur ramp up their pursuit of the 21-year-old midfielder, according to the latest report.

Spurs on the hunt

Having come perilously close to suffering an unthinkable relegation last season, Tottenham are moving aggressively in the market to back Roberto De Zerbi this summer. This approach is understood to have taken many of their rivals, including United, by surprise, as the Lilywhites are seemingly willing to overpay to secure their targets.

Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali is an option virtually every top club in England has considered. However, the Magpies’ valuation – believed to be as high as £100 million – has deterred the Red Devils and other suitors.

But Tottenham Hotspur have since ignited a move for the Italy international, tabling a bid worth around £80 million after getting the green light from the player over his wish to swap the North East for North London. Newcastle have rejected this, but a follow-up offer is expected, which comes closer to £100 million.

Yet Spurs are not limiting themselves solely to Tonali. Negotiations are underway to make West Ham United starlet Fernandes their second big-money recruit in midfield, given De Zerbi has identified the spine of his new side as its primary weakness.

Manchester United were understood to be frontrunners for the one-cap Portugal international, having seen off interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid after holding talks with his camp, led by super agent Jorge Mendes.

Indeed, Madrid are said to have pulled out of the race as they “expect” him to arrive at Old Trafford instead, with sporting director Jason Wilcox spearheading the pursuit, having signed Fernandes from Sporting CP for Southampton in 2024, before he joined West Ham last summer.

Spurs launch hijack

Despite Fernandes viewing Old Trafford as a ‘dream’ move, West Ham’s £85 million asking price is beyond the price United consider him to be worth. The Red Devils value him closer to £60 million, even if they may be willing to exceed this if needed. This disparity has led to weeks of protracted negotiations between the two clubs.

Consequently, Spurs have been afforded the chance to storm into the race, essentially overtaking United in the queue. Despite the rivalry between the two London clubs, the Hammers are simply ready to do business with the highest bidder, while Fernandes is also open to the inter-city switch.

TEAMtalk reveals Tottenham have submitted a proposal which meets West Ham’s valuation, though it is reliant upon add-ons and bonuses to reach the total figure.

“The Hammers are seeking a package of around £85 million (€99m, $112m) for Fernandes and it’s understood that Spurs have presented a package that reaches that amount, albeit with a smaller chunk – estimated to be worth £65 million up front – with the rest in add-ons and bonuses,” the report states.

Well-placed sources claim Spurs have now been given a “full green light to seal the deal”, which would constitute a club record should it be accepted. However, figures close to Old Trafford continue to “insist [United] are not out the race just yet”, even if the clock is ticking for INEOS to present an offer which competes with their rivals’.

Final Thoughts

United are said to remain in talks with West Ham, while the allure of playing with Bruno Fernandes in the Champions League is understood to be of particular attraction to Mateus Fernandes.

But if Tottenham are the only offer the Hammers will let the youngster accept, a dream move to the Theatre of Dreams will be parked in reluctant favour of a switch to the imaginatively named Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are proving to be a major thorn in Manchester United’s side this summer.

With the Red Devils closing in on a deal for Mateus Fernandes, the North London side decided to launch a late hijack attempt, after being egged on by new boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Desperate to beat United in the race, Spurs are reportedly set to match West Ham’s enormous valuation while also readying a bumper wage packet.

INEOS were banking on the Portugal international’s desire to play alongside Bruno Fernandes to strike a deal below the Hammers’ asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur eyeing the same players that United want

Whether they will now be forced to up their offer remains to be seen. As previously relayed by The Peoples Person, another West Ham star on United’s radar is Crysencio Summerville.

Guess which Premier League team is looking to hijack the deal? You guessed it: the Lilywhites. Not only that, now they are eyeing a raid on Old Trafford.

It is well known by now that the 20-time English league champions are looking to offload Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis.

Barcelona refused to trigger their £26m buy option, and multiple clubs are now lurking, with INEOS hoping to earn as much as £40 million from the Mancunian‘s sale.

Tottenham Hotspur chasing Marcus Rashford

The co-owners would prefer not to sell to a direct domestic rival, which is why they were banking on Bayern Munich or even Galatasaray to enter the fray.

The Bavarian giants admire the Englishman but do not want to pay his enormous £325,000-a-week wages. As expected, not too many sides are keen to pay, but The Sun have an update regarding this.

They have claimed that Spurs are ready to pay the England international’s wages in full, which might change the 28-year-old’s mind.

“They have also had a bid rejected for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and been linked with Marcus Rashford.

INEOS would prefer to sell to a foreign club

“Rashford’s salary at United will increase to £325,000-a-week next month and it has been suggested that Tottenham would meet his wage demands.”

Marcus Rashford would have preferred to join a foreign club, but if Spurs match his current wages, the forward might opt to switch to North London.

Whether Spurs pay £40 million to United remains to be seen. They might push to conclude a sale at a lower fee, especially if the United star pushes to join.

Feature image Michael Regan via Getty Images

Manchester United might have to move on from Mateus Fernandes and focus on other targets if the latest reports are anything to go by.

The Red Devils were overwhelming favourites for the Portugal international despite West Ham’s valuation of the midfielder.

Real Madrid had to accept defeat in their pursuit of the Hammers ace, but Tottenham Hotspur’s entry has completely flipped the script.

Roberto De Zerbi has been pushing Spurs to not allow United a free run at the 21-year-old, and with the 20-time English league champions unlikely to match West Ham’s asking price, the North London side have taken a decisive lead.

Why Spurs are in the lead for Mateus Fernandes

According to Sky Sports, the Lilywhites are prepared to match the recently-relegated side’s £85 million asking price.

United value Mateus Fernandes at £60 million, but they are prepared to pay more but INEOS are unlikely to pay as much as Spurs.

“Regarding Fernandes, Tottenham are understood to be willing to pay £85m for the Portugal international, who is keen to return to the Premier League following West Ham’s relegation.

“United are previously understood to have valued the ex-Southampton player at around £60m, but may be prepared to offer more as they watch developments with other clubs closely.”

Spurs prepared to pay higher wages as well

In a further blow to the three-time Champions League winners, The Sun have reported that Spurs are ready to offer a higher wage packet to the Portuguese ace as compared to United.

“MANCHESTER UNITED risk being blown out of the water for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham on wages.

“Sources say Spurs are “going big” on salaries for targets and are prepared to offer more than United for Fernandes.”

Last year, Spurs had come close to hijacking a deal for Bryan Mbeumo, but the Cameroonian only had eyes for United.

United now hoping for Mateus Fernandes to stand firm

INEOS will be banking on Mateus Fernandes holding firm as well, with his admiration for Bruno Fernandes well known.

However, should West Ham accept the higher fee and push the midfielder towards Spurs, United might have little hope of winning this saga.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are accelerating plans to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of Mateus Fernandes, according to a new report.

Spurs on the hunt

Having come perilously close to suffering relegation last season, Tottenham are prepared to spend big this summer to back Roberto De Zerbi after he steered them to safety on the final day with a 1-0 win over Everton.

A £52 million deal has been struck to reunite the Italian manager with Brighton & Hove Albion centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, while an £80 million offer for Sandro Tonali has been rejected by Newcastle United.

However, the Lilywhites have also stormed into the race for Fernandes, despite Manchester United having established themselves as frontrunners for the West Ham United starlet, who enjoyed a stellar campaign despite his side finishing eighteenth.

Mateus Fernandes Premier League stats: 2025/26 Season

Appearances36 Minutes per game84 Touches58.9 Key passes1.0 Accurate passes37.9 Interceptions 1.0 Tackles 2.9 Goals and assists 7

Source: Sofascore

The aggression Spurs are demonstrating in the market is understood to have taken rivals, including the Red Devils, by surprise. Their “bullish” willingness to meet expensive valuations is hard to compete with, or can make it difficult for others to negotiate.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Fernandes is a perfect example, as West Ham have placed a prohibitive £80 million asking price on the 21-year-old’s head, despite only two seasons of experience in the Premier League.

Spearheaded by sporting director Jason Wilcox, Manchester United have sought to strike a cheaper deal, having already received the green light from Fernandes over his desire to complete a switch to Old Trafford.

There has been widespread interest in the one-cap Portugal international, with Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid all making enquiries. Nonetheless, United have maintained a firm grip on the race as the player is believed to be prioritising first-team opportunities, and there is confidence in M16 that a deal will be struck.

Ready to strike

This assurance is set to be firmly tested, however, as TEAMtalk reveals Tottenham are “preparing to launch a formal bid” for Fernandes after making “significant progress” in negotiations with his representatives.

“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 £75 million (€87m, $99m), a figure that would move them very close to West Ham’s initial £80 million valuation of the 21-year-old.”

The report does state United remain in a “strong position” as Wilcox has “longstanding ties to the player dating back to his time at Southampton”. West Ham signed Fernandes from the Saints for £38 million last year in a deal which included a 15% sell-on clause.

“Manchester United are not going away, however. Wilcox continues to work behind the scenes, and sources insist Old Trafford officials remain optimistic that their groundwork will ultimately pay off.”

Sky Sports corroborates the intent from Spurs to hijack a deal by outbidding United, who are said to value Fernandes in the £60m range, but “may be prepared to offer more” if needed.

However, in an interesting twist, The Sun claims well-placed sources have “doubted the seriousness” of Tottenham’s pursuit, suggesting Jorge Mendes, Fernandes’ agent, is the origin of this ‘interest’ as much as executives in North London.

The Sun concludes that one of the main competitors for the former Sporting CP star, Real Madrid, “expect [him] to join United”, further justifying the confidence in M16.

Final Thoughts

Should the decision fall down to a straight choice between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, there is little doubt which team Fernandes would pick. He considers his compatriot, Bruno Fernandes, an idol and the chance to play alongside him in the Champions League, in comparison to no European football at all with Tottenham, is a strong sales pitch.

But the question of price – and United’s willingness to match West Ham’s demands – is far less certain, and it is here where Spurs smell their advantage. If they strike a club record deal with the Hammers, while United only agree terms with the player, he looks unlikely to leave London this summer.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Much has been written about Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur’s battle for the transfer of Mateus Fernandes.

Both clubs are pushing strongly for the signature of the West Ham United midfielder. The Portuguese youngster favours a move to Old Trafford, but Spurs are showing more willingness to meet the Hammers’ exorbitant demands.

Over the last few weeks, United have also been linked with one of Tottenham’s best players, and now the North London giants are willing to make it very easy for his suitors to secure a deal.

Tottenham ready to cut ties with Cristian Romero

Earlier this week, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming United are “monitoring” Cristian Romero as an option, with the recruitment department understood to admire his “aggressive style, leadership qualities and top-level experience.”

According to Wednesday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo (via Sport Witness), Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to part ways with their captain, and that too, on a massive discount.

A year ago, Tottenham valued Romero at €70 million. However, the Argentina international endured a difficult last campaign in England, with his side narrowly avoiding relegation.

The newspaper claims the Premier League outfit were not happy with some of the player’s gestures towards the end of the season. He seemed to had downed tools during their relegation battle.

Now, Spurs think it would be “best to end his time” with the club, having already signed central defenders Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke for Roberto De Zerbi.

Manchester United strike gold in Cristian Romero pursuit

Mundo further states Romero’s price has dropped from €70m (£60.3m) to €30m (£26m), and the “considerable reduction” makes him a market opportunity for Atlético Madrid.

If this is indeed true, United should accelerate their efforts to sign Romero, given they intend to bring in a new defender without spending a considerable figure amid their priority to revamp the midfield.

In that department, United may be forced to look elsewhere, given how determined Tottenham are secure Mateus Fernandes’ services.

The Red Devils are also monitoring Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Real Madrid midfield dynamo Aurelien Tchouameni.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

The rivalry between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur has taken another twist as the North London club are now planning to move for Marcus Rashford, according to a new report.

Red vs White

The Red Devils are prioritising a major revamp in midfield this summer, with Casemiro having departed for America and Manuel Ugarte actively being pushed towards the exit door as well.

Atalanta dynamo Ederson is set to become the first signing of the Michael Carrick era after a £39 million agreement was reached with the Italian side. The plan was to make Mateus Fernandes the second, with talks underway to sign the West Ham starlet amid confidence a deal would be struck.

However, Tottenham have stormed into the race as they close in on an agreement on personal terms with the 21-year-old Portuguese.

Furthermore, the Lilywhites are also advancing their pursuit of Sandro Tonali – another target at Old Trafford – after opening formal talks to sign the Newcastle United maestro. An £80m bid has already been rejected, with expectations of an improved bid to come.

While it does not appear likely that Spurs would be able to trump United to both midfielders, given the figures involved, the desire to back new manager Roberto De Zerbi after almost suffering an unthinkable relegation last season is a powerful motivator.

Premier League Proven

Much like INEOS, Tottenham’s hierarchy are prioritising targets with Premier League pedigree to help De Zerbi overhaul the squad. Both Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have been signed on free transfers, while a £52m deal for Jan Paul van Hecke was agreed with Brighton & Hove Albion last week.

Tonali is understood to be the next priority as there is acceptance United are still frontrunners for Fernandes, though a pivot towards Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another possibility.

But the i Paper reveals Spurs are also ready to launch a move for Rashford as De Zerbi is a “huge fan” of the 28-year-old forward. The Italian is keen to add more experience to his attacking unit, which still lacks a natural left-sided attacker following the departure of Heung-Min Son last summer.

Having failed to agree terms with FC Barcelona at the end of Rashford’s loan, United are exploring alternative options for a permanent exit once the England international returns to Manchester after the World Cup.

There is understood to be a gentleman’s agreement on a £40m release clause between player and club, though wages are a prohibitive factor for his suitors. This includes Arsenal, Aston Villa and Newcastle United, while Bayern Munich are keeping a watchful eye.

Rashford’s preference is to return to Camp Nou – an option Barcelona are open to, but only on loan – or to move to another top club in Europe, such as Bayern, if forced to leave Old Trafford. If he was welcomed back by Carrick, he would prefer to “return to United and resurrect his boyhood dreams” over a switch to a Premier League rival, which is said to not be “currently on his radar.”

Final Thoughts

INEOS remain intent on selling Rashford this summer as his exorbitant contract – worth as much as £325,000 a week once the Champions League bonus kicks in – is now the most expensive at the club, following Casemiro’s exit.

Tottenham are understood to “not be willing to match” the £40m clause United are looking for, though the Red Devils’ desperation to be rid of Rashford would likely see them accept a cheaper bid if it was tabled.

The main obstacle would be convincing the Wythenshawe native to swap Manchester for London at a club without European football of any description. However, the prospect of being the main man under a manager famed for getting the best out of his forwards could be enough of a sales pitch should an alternative offer not materialise.