The Peoples Person

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.

Manchester United remain interested in Cristian Romero as the Tottenham Hotspur captain reaches a key decision on his future in North London, according to the latest report.

Bolstering the Backline

Despite Harry Maguire putting pen to paper on a new deal in April, United remain in the market for a new centre-back this summer, though initially it was understood that they were targeting a younger option.

The ongoing absence of Matthijs de Ligt due to a long-term back injury and Lisandro Martinez‘s increased fragility mean that central defence is not as well stocked as the unit appears, particularly as Maguire himself picked up knocks last season.

Both Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro are highly rated at Old Trafford, with coaches believing the pair have the potential to form as strong a partnership as Arsenal’s title-winning duo, Gabriel and William Saliba. However, they are inexperienced and prone to mistakes in the way every young defender is, leading United to consider more established options to bolster the backline.

Two targets in Germany – Bayern Munich’s Kim Min-jae and Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton – have been identified, though neither offers the Premier League experience that INEOS prioritises in new recruits.

Reckless and Rash or Bold and Brave?

Earlier this month, a trusted Argentine reporter revealed that United were considering a bid for Romero as the Argentina international was understood to be looking to leave Tottenham.

This was then dismissed by a local Manchester outlet, though transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Red Devils had made an enquiry for the 6’1″ defender a few months ago, even if an offer was not as imminent as initially suggested.

Sports Boom confirms United are “monitoring” Romero as an option, with the recruitment department understood to admire his “aggressive style, leadership qualities and top-level experience.”

However, this front-foot defensive approach often leads the 28-year-old to overstep the mark, resulting in a horrendous disciplinary record which makes him as much of a hindrance to his team as a help.

If Romero were able to channel his aggression, he would have the physical and technical skills to be an elite centre-back. However, without the mental side of the game to match, he remains a liability who should not be wearing the captain’s armband.

Furthermore, Sports Boom claims the Cordoba native has “made it clear that his preference is to remain with Spurs rather than seek a move away this summer”, informing the North London club he is “keen to remain at the heart of [Roberto De Zerbi’s] project and lead by example”.

Final Thoughts

The idea of an aggressive all-Argentine defensive partnership at Old Trafford between Romero and Martinez is one which would strike fear into opposition strikers’ hearts, even if it would also have the referee reaching into his pocket with alarming regularity.

Had Tottenham been relegated and a cut-price deal could have been struck to sign Romero, he would have made sense as an experienced centre-back to take over from an ageing Maguire. But with Spurs having staved off a descent into the Championship, the price they would demand to lose their captain will prove prohibitive to United’s budget this summer, with the priority being a revamp in midfield.

Feature image Warren Little via Getty Images

Tottenham Hotspur are pushing hard to beat Manchester United to yet another signing, according to reports.

Earlier this year, United showed interest in Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi by touching base with his representatives. However, Spurs moved decisively and convinced the free agent to put pen to paper on their contract soon after avoiding relegation.

United are not prioritising strengthening their defence this summer. As such, fans might not have lost sleep over missing out on Senesi. However, now, the North London giants are looking to hamper the Red Devils’ pursuit of their priority midfield target.

Mateus Fernandes prepared to join Manchester United

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are determined to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United despite the gifted midfielder suffering back-to-back relegations.

The 21-year-old Portuguese emerged as one of the Premier League’s most complete midfielders last season, excelling with and without the ball. He is a powerful ball-carrier with an eye for a killer pass. Out of possession, the youngster is tenacious and in the right place at the right time, more often than not.

“He’s got an unbelievably excellent attitude towards becoming better. So he can only use this as being better,” Simon Rusk, who worked with Fernandes at Southampton, told Sky Sports.

As such, interest is high in the dynamic midfielder, and talkSPORT claims United have already convinced him to move to Old Trafford.

“We know that Manchester United have basically got personal terms already agreed,” said talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook.

Tottenham in talks to hijack Fernandes deal

However, it is understood United’s move for Fernandes is in danger of being hijacked by Tottenham, who have already made an enquiry to West Ham over securing his services.

The report further states: “And Fernandes is another player that De Zerbi has identified as someone who can improve Tottenham, having obviously flirted with relegation right up until the final day of the Premier League season.”

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

Reaching an agreement with Fernandes is one thing, and getting a nod from West Ham is another. The Hammers have so far shown little desire to budge from their £80m valuation.

As such, should Spurs decide to meet West Ham’s demands and United refuse to be held to ransom, Fernandes would most likely end up moving from east to north London rather than Manchester.

Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images

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