The Peoples Person

Tottenham Hotspur’s unprecedented ambition in the transfer market may frustrate key figures at Manchester United.

Earlier this summer, United appeared to be the strongest suitors for West Ham United midfield metronome Mateus Fernandes.

However, Tottenham, who have already made a bid worth around £80 million for Sandro Tonali, have also strongly entered the race for Fernandes as they look to avoid another relegation battle.

Mateus Fernandes desperate for “dream move” to Manchester United

According to Claret and Hugh, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are both reported to be “close” to agreeing personal terms with Mateus Fernandes.

However, neither club has yet submitted a bid, with West Ham demanding an astonishing £85 million for the 21-year-old. It seems both United and Tottenham are hoping to avoid a bidding war by convincing the player to pick their respective projects.

In that regard, United appear to be ahead of the North London outfit, as it is believed Fernandes is desperate for Champions League football and considers United his “dream move”.

The Portuguese youngster is reportedly even pushing his representatives to prioritise a move to Old Trafford.

However, there are also suggestions that the West Ham star would be happy to join Spurs, given he is settled in London.

As we have previously reported, Jorge Mendes is leading the negotiations for Fernandes. As such, these conflicting briefings are unlikely to stop anytime soon. The idea of multiple clubs chasing his client puts Mendes in a strong negotiating position.

Manchester United remain confident

Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox and his colleagues remain firm on not being held to ransom this summer. Ineos have already pulled out of the race to sign Elliot Anderson, with Nottingham Forest demanding a British record fee for the England midfielder.

On Sunday evening, Shaun Connolly of Theatre of Red claimed Tottenham are a “distant second” in the race for Fernandes, particularly because of his desire to play alongside Bruno Fernandes.

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

It is understood negotiations are ongoing, and United officials remain confident they will secure their primary target after Anderson.

“The only telling variable is how determined The Hammers are to gain as much of a fee as is possible,” the report adds.

A separate report from the Manchester Evening News suggested that United are “playing it cool at the moment” as there is a belief that the Championship side needs cash before June 30 to balance the books and avoid the risk of breaching Premier League or EFL financial regulations.

Featured image Julian Finney via Getty Images

Manchester United will be breathing a sigh of relief in their bid to sign midfielder Sandro Tonali after Tottenham Hotspur’s opening bid for him was rejected by Newcastle.

Tottenham step up Tonali chase

Tonali is believed to feature on a list of midfielders United are keen on signing this summer.

He is looking to leave Newcastle, who finished in 12th place in the Premier League and consequently missed out on Champions League football. The Magpies initially did not want to sell him but they have now opened up to the possibility of losing him for the right sum.

The reliable David Ornstein of The Athletic recently revealed that Newcastle want £100m to sanction Tonali’s sale.

Ornstein revealed that Tottenham have opened talks with Newcastle in an effort to try and strike an agreement for the Italy international. Discussions are also ongoing with the player’s camp regarding personal terms.

Manchester City are another party eyeing Tonali and have also reached out to his representatives, although they have yet to formally express their interest to Newcastle.

Another report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that United are among a number of suitors that have enquired about the 26-year-old.

As the situation develops, journalist Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Tottenham tabled an opening offer for Tonali, which was turned down by Newcastle.

Tonali bid

Jacobs wrote on X, ” Newcastle United have rejected a bid from Spurs in the region of £75m-£80m for Sandro Tonali, as @SkyFootball called.”

“Newcastle are looking for at least £85m fixed and a total package of around £100m.”

“Spurs and Manchester City the two clubs active on Tonali.”

This has information has been corroborated by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano who says, “Tottenham bid was sent 3 days ago, rejected by Newcastle.”

“£75m were never gonna be enough but part of the plan; talks have been underway since then with #THFC determined to get the deal done.”

“Spurs keep pushing. De Zerbi wants him.”

As it stands, Tonali does not appear to be a priority for United, with the club seemingly unconcerned about the prospect of him joining either Tottenham or City. Nevertheless, the situation is one to monitor closely, with further twists and turns expected.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur might just have disrupted Manchester United’s transfer plans.

Desperate to avoid another relegation battle, Spurs are going all-out in the market to hand high-profile players to Roberto De Zerbi.

In recent days, they have seemingly stepped up their efforts to convince Mateus Fernandes to move to North London despite interest from United.

Tottenham Hotspur trying to sign Mateus Fernandes

On Saturday, The Peoples Person relayed a report claiming Tottenham Hotspur are nearing an agreement over personal terms with Mateus Fernandes.

United remain the Portuguese midfielder’s preferred destination, and there is confidence internally at Old Trafford that they remain in the driving seat to strike an agreement with West Ham United.

Still, Spurs’ entry into the race should complicate United’s pursuit as the Hammers now have one more reason to not budge from their £85 million valuation.

A report in Italy suggests this development might force United to make a U-turn on another Premier League midfielder.

Manchester United make contact for Sandro Tonali

Having made Fernandes their priority target, United reportedly informed Newcastle United last week that they will not enter the race to sign Sandro Tonali.

However, SportMediaset journalist Orazio Accomando claims United have asked for information about Tonali.

The 26-year-old Italian midfielder, known for his relentless work rate and athleticism, is now reportedly being chased by the Red Devils, Arsenal, and Tottenham.

Spurs are supposedly pushing the hardest for £100m-rated Tonali’s services.

However, both United and Arsenal can offer him Champions League football, which is considered one of the main reasons behind his desire to part ways with the Magpies.

Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have made a major move in an effort to win the race for Manchester United midfield target Sandro Tonali, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed.

Tonali interest

United have wrapped up a deal with Atalanta for Ederson but that’s just the start of the club’s midfield rebuild. At least two more top-class midfielders are expected before the close of the window, with United keen on having quality depth in the middle of the park ahead of their participation in the Champions League next season.

In addition to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Mateus Fernandes, United have also been heavily linked with Tonali.

It’s looking increasingly likely that Tonali’s time at Newcastle has come to an end, more so after the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification. His agent pitched him to Arsenal in January, but Newcastle refused to sanction the exit, given the lack of time to find a replacement.

In addition to United, Manchester City and Tottenham have also been mentioned to be admirers of Tonali. It’s believed that City’s interest in Tonali is completely separate to their pursuit of Anderson.

A return to Italy for Tonali has also been mooted. Newcastle are resigned to losing Tonali, although they remain adamant that he will leave for nothing less than £100m. There have been suggestions that United are prepared to meet this valuation.

More recently, a report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that United told Newcastle they do not intend to enter the race for Tonali’s signature. Ornstein has now issued an update, revealing that Tottenham have opened talks with the Magpies to try and strike an agreement for the Italy international.

Tonali latest

Ornstein writes, “The north London club are vying with Manchester City to sign Tonali if he leaves St James’ Park — but by making club-to-club contact, it steps up the pursuit and underlines their intent to strike a deal.”

“Discussions between the 26-year-old midfielder’s representatives and both suitors continue, as they attempt to strike an agreement on personal terms.”

The report further states, “Spurs will hope that a high salary offer, head coach Roberto De Zerbi pushing for the transfer and the appeal of London may help swing the situation in their direction.”

Ornstein also confirms that Newcastle do indeed want at least £100m to sanction Tonali’s sale.

Whether this new development jolts United into action remains to be seen, though it appears they are not pushing particularly hard for Tonali.

The 26-year-old made 53 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions last season, contributing three goals as they finished 12th in the Premier League.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur have made a major move in an effort to win the race for Manchester United midfield target Sandro Tonali, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has revealed.

Tonali interest

United have wrapped up a deal with Atalanta for Ederson but that’s just the start of the club’s midfield rebuild. At least two more top-class midfielders are expected before the close of the window, with United keen on having quality depth in the middle of the park ahead of their participation in the Champions League next season.

In addition to the likes of Elliot Anderson, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Mateus Fernandes, United have also been heavily linked with Tonali.

It’s looking increasingly likely that Tonali’s time at Newcastle has come to an end, more so after the club’s failure to secure Champions League qualification. His agent pitched him to Arsenal in January, but Newcastle refused to sanction the exit, given the lack of time to find a replacement.

In addition to United, Manchester City and Tottenham have also been mentioned to be admirers of Tonali. It’s believed that City’s interest in Tonali is completely separate to their pursuit of Anderson.

A return to Italy for Tonali has also been mooted. Newcastle are resigned to losing Tonali, although they remain adamant that he will leave for nothing less than £100m. There have been suggestions that United are prepared to meet this valuation.

More recently, a report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that United told Newcastle they do not intend to enter the race for Tonali’s signature. Ornstein has now issued an update, revealing that Tottenham have opened talks with the Magpies to try and strike an agreement for the Italy international.

Tonali latest

Ornstein writes, “The north London club are vying with Manchester City to sign Tonali if he leaves St James’ Park — but by making club-to-club contact, it steps up the pursuit and underlines their intent to strike a deal.”

“Discussions between the 26-year-old midfielder’s representatives and both suitors continue, as they attempt to strike an agreement on personal terms.”

The report further states, “Spurs will hope that a high salary offer, head coach Roberto De Zerbi pushing for the transfer and the appeal of London may help swing the situation in their direction.”

Ornstein also confirms that Newcastle do indeed want at least £100m to sanction Tonali’s sale.

Whether this new development jolts United into action remains to be seen, though it appears they are not pushing particularly hard for Tonali.

The 26-year-old made 53 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions last season, contributing three goals as they finished 12th in the Premier League.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

Manchester United remain confident of striking a deal for West Ham United starlet Mateus Fernandes despite growing interest from Tottenham Hotspur, according to an inside source.

Midfield Maestro

The Red Devils have zeroed in on Fernandes as their primary target in midfield after a deal for Elliot Anderson proved unworkable due to Nottingham Forest’s demands for the England international.

The club’s analytics team believe the 21-year-old Portuguese has the skillset and versatility to develop into a comparable player to Anderson, with one former United coach even claiming he has a higher ceiling.

Neil Harris, who spent 20 years at Old Trafford, believes Fernandes is already a “mature player” who does the “simple things to a high level”, leading him to compare the youngster to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Vitinha.

“I think [Fernandes] has got levels that maybe Anderson and Wharton haven’t got to go. When I look at him, I see Vitinha. I see him being a conductor in games with his tempo and things like that.”

With West Ham having suffered relegation last month, it is little wonder, therefore, that a host of Europe’s top sides have expressed interest in the Sporting CP academy graduate, hoping to strike a cut-price deal for a top-level talent.

United are joined by Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle United in their admiration, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also in the hunt.

However, the Hammers have refused to budge on their valuation, believed to be around £85 million, after an impressive personal campaign for Fernandes, despite the need to raise funds at the London Stadium ahead of the descent into the Championship.

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

Last-Minute Hijack

This reticence to meet West Ham’s demands has allowed Tottenham to storm into the race, even with the bitter rivalry between the London sides. In a bid to back Roberto De Zerbi, Spurs are intent on spending big after coming perilously close to facing the same fate as their local rivals.

Talks have already begun for Newcastle United dynamo Sandro Tonali, a target United considered but deemed too expensive, and the Italy international has signalled his willingness to join the Lilywhites.

But De Zerbi is aiming for a total revamp in midfield, leading to a pursuit of Fernandes alongside Tonali in an ambitious double raid. Earlier today, a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed an agreement was “very close” with the West Ham star on personal terms, though club-to-club negotiations were yet to start.

Crucially, Fernandes is said to be “open” to the switch to north London. If United were to miss out on another key target in midfield to a direct rival – Manchester City are closing in on a record-breaking deal for Anderson – it would be a major blow to INEOS’s plans this summer.

However, a well-placed source indicates there is still “confidence internally” amongst the Old Trafford hierarchy, spearheaded by sporting director Jason Wilcox, that they are in the best position to sign the Olhão native, regardless of Spurs’ hijack attempt.

Tweet: “Manchester United are in ongoing talks with West Ham regarding Mateus Fernandes. They are aware of Spurs’ interest & pursuit but firmly believe that they’re the most advanced club with confidence internally. Fernandes’ preferred club is United & they still believe thats the case.”

Final Thoughts

The attraction of playing for De Zerbi in the capital is a reasonable pull for a young player, but it pales in comparison to representing the biggest club in the country in the Champions League at the Theatre of Dreams.

Fernandes is also believed to be desperate to play with his namesake at United, Bruno, offering another layer of attraction which should help the Red Devils see off Spurs in the race to secure his signature. It is simply a matter of making a deal with West Ham; Tottenham will have nothing to offer once that is done.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly inching closer towards striking an agreement over personal terms with the camp of West Ham midfielder and Manchester United target Mateus Fernandes.

Key target

United are prioritising midfield reinforcements this summer as they prepare to play in the Champions League next season and potentially mount a title challenge.

Already, the Red Devils have wrapped up a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, who will officially complete his move after Brazil’s involvement in the World Cup in North America.

Attention has now shifted to Fernandes, who is all but guaranteed to depart West Ham following their relegation to the Championship. Despite West Ham’s struggles in 2025/26, Fernandes still stood out, catching the eye with his dominant displays in the middle of the park.

United view him as the perfect candidate to come into the team and slot next to Kobbie Mainoo. The major hindrance to getting a deal done fast has been West Ham’s valuation. Despite going down and being under pressure to sell, the Hammers are demanding around £85m for the player.

Michael Carrick’s side have no desire to fork out such a heavy sum and are looking to try and drive the price down during negotiations. Fernandes is understood to want a switch to Old Trafford, having frequently spoken of his admiration for his Portuguese compatriot Bruno Fernandes.

United are not the only party keeping tabs on the West Ham man. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also thought to be eyeing him.

More recently, David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that Tottenham have stormed into the race to snap up the 21-year-old.

Now, journalist Matteo Moretto is claiming that Tottenham are close to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes, spelling trouble for United’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Fernandes update

According to Moretto on X, “Tottenham is very close to reaching an agreement with Mateus Fernandes on the contract.”

“There have still been no official negotiations with West Ham.”

“Mateus Fernandes, also on the radar of other big clubs, is open to signing for Tottenham.”

Whether this development prompts United into action remains uncertain, but they are unlikely to engage in a bidding war. Value for money will also be a key consideration.

Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, contributing three goals and four assists in that period.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Manchester United’s departing superstar Casemiro once described the midfield as the “heartbeat” of a football team – with virtually every one of England’s elite on the hunt for a transplant this summer.

The Red Devils have already struck a £39 million deal for Atalanta and Brazil international Ederson, though official completion will not come until his World Cup campaign concludes.

But talks are ongoing to make Mateus Fernandes the second signing of the Michael Carrick era, with Manchester United having identified the West Ham United starlet as their leading target after Elliot Anderson communicated his wish to join Manchester City instead.

Red-hot race in the Premier League

The 21-year-old Portuguese maestro, capable of playing across a variety of roles in midfield, is understood to be prioritising a move to Old Trafford, even if the Hammers have placed a prohibitive asking price as high as £100m on his head.

However, Arsenal and Liverpool were also admirers of the Sporting CP academy graduate, while Tottenham Hotspur have now stormed into the race as well, further strengthening West Ham United’s negotiating position, despite Nuno Espirito Santo’s side having suffered relegation.

Tottenham Hotspur are pursuing Fernandes at the request of Roberto De Zerbi, with the Lilywhites prepared to go all out to back their new manager. A separate raid has been launched for Newcastle United dynamo Sandro Tonali – another target at Old Trafford – with David Ornstein revealing talks have been held with the 26-year-old’s camp.

Manchester United had identified Tonali as an option in the build-up to the window, with Carrick said to be an admirer of the Italy international. However, Newcastle slapped down a £100m valuation to fend off interest, which led the Red Devils to cool their interest.

Arsenal and Manchester City are both in the hunt for the Brescia native, where De Zerbi also hails from. It remains a distinct possibility the Citizens sign both Anderson and Tonali if Rodri departs for Real Madrid, which would then potentially increase Manchester United’s chances of pulling off a blockbuster deal for Aurelien Tchouameni, though Liverpool are also in contact with the French superstar.

The only member of the Premier League’s top six not mentioned so far is Chelsea. But the Blues are braced for interest from Real Madrid in their own midfield maestro, Enzo Fernandez. The 2022 World Cup winner, currently on duty in North America with Argentina, has previously admitted the Santiago Bernabeu attracts him, with Los Blancos considering him as part of a major revamp of Jose Mourinho’s squad.

Were Chelsea to lose Fernandez, they would aggressively enter the already fiercely competitive midfield market and players like Fernandes and Tonali would gain yet another suitor. However, the west London club have stronger pre-existing links to Crystal Palace maestro Adam Wharton – yet another option on INEOS’s radar.

Spurs zero in on Wharton

Manchester United have been tracking Wharton since he arrived at Selhurst Park from Blackburn Rovers in 2024. Under the tutelage of the departing Oliver Glasner, the 22-year-old has grown into one of England’s best ball-playing midfielders, helping propel the Eagles to triumphs in the FA Cup and Europa Conference League.

Possessing a wand of a left foot and incisive line-breaking vision, Wharton resembles a playmaker born in Barcelona rather than Blackburn. His teammate, Yeremy Pino, believes he could play for the Spain national team such is his technical quality.

Wharton is highly rated at Old Trafford, featuring highly on the list of targets in midfield. However, there is a sense he is not an ideal partner for Kobbie Mainoo, with the two players sharing many qualities – and some of the same weaknesses.

This led Manchester United to prioritise other targets with more physicality and versatility, such as Fernandes and Ederson, over the Palace talisman. Chelsea and Liverpool are understood to be big fans as well, with the Reds having held talks in recent weeks.

TEAMtalk now reveals Tottenham Hotspur are ready to make a “serious push” for Wharton as there is internal recognition in North London that deals for either Fernandes or Tonali will prove “difficult to conclude at this stage.”

“As a result, Wharton is increasingly emerging as one of Tottenham’s most realistic high-profile targets. Sources have told us that De Zerbi is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old and…there is confidence that a move for Wharton represents a deal the club has a genuine chance of completing, provided Palace are willing to engage.”

The report states Manchester United have “maintained a long-standing appreciation” and are continuing to “monitor his situation closely.”

Final Thoughts

While Tottenham’s ramping up their pursuit of Wharton may rule out an option held in high regard by United, it also provides tacit acceptance that prising Fernandes from West Ham’s grasp is unfeasible as the Red Devils have the firmest hand on a deal for the Portuguese.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are both understood to have held initial talks with Fernandes’ camp, though sources at Old Trafford indicate there is belief this is being inflated by his agent, Jorge Mendes, and there remains confidence a deal can be struck for a talent who shone last season despite being constrained by a struggling side.

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

Featured image Eddie Keogh via Getty Images

Manchester United’s attempts to sign Mateus Fernandes are not exactly going according to plan.

The Red Devils have already signed Ederson from Atalanta, but head coach Michael Carrick is eyeing a complete revamp of his team’s midfield.

The West Ham ace has been identified as the next feasible target after United were priced out of moves for Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali.

However, the Hammers have proven to be a tough nut to crack as they stick to their asking price of £80 million despite their relegation.

Complications galore for a Mateus Fernandes deal

To complicate matters further, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing the 21-year-old, with Tottenham Hotspur the latest to join the race.

The Athletic‘s David Ornstein has claimed that Spurs are desperate to avoid the horror show of the last two seasons, and they want to back Roberto De Zerbi to the hilt.

And the new manager is a big fan of the Portugal international, and the North London side are expected to push United all the way.

Interestingly, they are also eyeing a move for Tonali, which is deemed separate to their push to sign the West Ham talisman.

Spurs planning a late hijack

“Tottenham Hotspur are interested in a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, while they remain keen on signing Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

“Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi is pushing to sign Fernandes, 21, who West Ham have set an asking price of £80million ($106.7m).

“Tottenham have also held talks with the camp of Newcastle’s Tonali but face competition from other clubs including Manchester City, who are serious contenders for the Italian’s signature.”

INEOS better be careful to avoid a last-minute hijack. Thankfully, Mateus Fernandes himself prefers a switch to Old Trafford as he is keen to play alongside his idol, Bruno Fernandes.

Feature image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

Sandro Tonali is poised to leave Newcastle United this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are pressing hard to sign the Italian, and that should have Ineos on alert as they look to hijack a deal for one of their top targets, a midfielder Eddie Howe once likened to Andrea Pirlo.

However, despite fan expectation, there has been no hint that Manchester United are doing anything to prevent a potential Tonali-to-Spurs move.

For a player packaged as Michael Carrick’s top midfield target, no movement by the 20-time English champions is stunning.

So why are United not trying to bring him to Old Trafford? The Telegraph appear to have a clear explanation for this awkward transfer stance.

What Man United have told Newcastle about bidding for Sandro Tonali

The UK outlet reports that, “United were initially monitoring the situation, but have told Newcastle they will not enter the race to sign the former AC Milan star, because of the combined cost of the transfer fee and the player’s wage demands.”

With that revelation, it now seems Tonali joins Elliott Anderson on the list of midfielders The Red Devils are moving away from.

Fernandes and Scott (or Baleba) the players to watch

It is becoming increasingly clear which midfielders United may now target as they look to complete the double midfield swoop expected to follow their Ederson agreement.

Mateus Fernandes could yet emerge as the marquee signing, with Bournemouth’s Alex Scott another player to monitor should a deal for the Portuguese be struck.

Scott, however, will not come cheap, which is why a revived move for Carlos Baleba cannot be ruled out.

Personal terms with the Brighton midfielder have already been agreed, and if a Scott deal falls through, the Cameroonian could finally seal his long-awaited move to M16.

Signings of Ederson, Fernandes, and either Scott or Baleba alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes could turn this United midfield into one of the best in England, if not Europe.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images