Metro.co.uk

Mateus Fernandes has named Bruno Fernandes as his idol despite deciding to join Tottenham Hotspur ahead of Manchester United.

Fernandes had attracted plenty of interest this summer after an impressive season for West Ham as United competed to sign the midfielder alongside Spurs, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

The 21-year-old was understood to have made United his preferred destination, however, the club were refusing to meet West Ham’s valuation.

That allowed Spurs to make their move and the club, who finished two points above the Premier League relegation zone last season, agreed an £85 million deal with West Ham after United said they would not match the offer.

But in his first set of interviews with Spurs, Fernandes gave a clear indication that he would have relished the prospect of linking up with United captain Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

Ask Metro

Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.

When asked to name his idol in a TikTok Q&A, Fernandes quickly named his Portuguese countryman.

Meanwhile, Fernandes also revealed that Roberto De Zerbi played a key role in convincing him to make the move to Spurs.

‘I’m very happy, I’m very excited for this next step,’ Fernandes told Spurs Play.

‘Of course, it’s a massive club. I already know the city, the country. I spoke with the manager. I think he was the main key for me to join Tottenham and the project. We will fight for Premier League. We will fight for the first place.

‘The way he [De Zerbi] spoke with me, my family, it was very special for me, with my family, it was very special for me and my family.

‘I’m very excited to meet him, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, try to do my best and enjoy the moment.

‘I think we need this type of people, not just as a manager, but as a guy to try to take everything of you. It can be very special for me. I fully believe in him and this club. The way he spoke about me to my family, with me, made the decision easy.

‘I’m ready for this next step. I’m ready for this pressure. It’s one thing that I work for. So, I’m very excited to play for a big club, for a manager that wants to win titles.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Arrow MORE: Mikel Arteta targets signing ‘underrated’ £60m Aston Villa star after Morgan Rogers

Arrow MORE: France World Cup star annoyed with Didier Deschamps and ‘suffering sleepless nights’

Arrow MORE: ‘Best in the world’ – Marcel Desailly backs Arsenal star for Real Madrid transfer

Brighton have agreed a deal that could be worth up to £50million for Tottenham Hotspur defender Luka Vuskovic, who has never played for Spurs.

The 19-year-old joined Spurs from Hajduk Split in the summer of 2025 but moved to Hamburg on loan for last season.

The centre-back impressed for the German club over 30 appearances in all competitions and has earned a place in the Croatia team.

The teenager became the youngest player to turn out for Croatia in a World Cup when he faced England in the opening group stage game in America.

A defender with a bright future, but it will be at Brighton and not Spurs after Tottenham accepted a bid worth an initial £46m, with £4m in add-ons.

Ask Metro

Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.

It is a remarkable deal for a player that Tottenham only spent around £12m on and has never played for the club.

Spurs will also have a 20 per cent sell-on clause and matching rights for any future move for the Croatian.

The signing is a coup for Brighton, given that the Daily Mail reported that both Bayern Munich and Barcelona were interested in Vuskovic.

The Seagulls made an initial bid of £30m but it was turned down before their significantly improved offer.

They have spent slightly less on Vuskovic than they have sold Jan Paul van Hecke for this summer, with the Dutchman going to Spurs for £52m.

Brighton have also signed another centre-back this week, bringing in Pascal Struijk from Leeds for £20m.

The teenager received high praise from Hamburg boss Merlin Polzin during his spell in the Bundesliga, with his leadership at such a young age picked out as a strength.

‘What truly sets Luka apart is his incredible will to win,’ said Polzin. ‘He always wants to improve. His attitude towards being a professional footballer is top-notch.

‘I’ve only had the privilege of working with a handful of players who have such a mindset.’

‘I don’t want to limit him,’ said Polzin, in an interview with Hamburg’s website in May. ‘When you have such a leadership role at 19 and your career takes off like this, I believe he’s capable of anything.’

Vuskovic has also proved to be a goal threat from the back, scoring six Bundesliga goals last season and seven league goals during his season in Belgium with Westerlo in 2024/25.

Arrow MORE: Tottenham ‘closer than ever’ to signing £86m Man Utd target alongside Mateus Fernandes

Arrow MORE: Atletico Madrid send transfer message to Arsenal after Julian Alvarez bombshell

Arrow MORE: Man Utd step up pursuit of £80m Arsenal and Chelsea target after missing Mateus Fernandes deal

Tottenham are ‘closer than ever’ to agreeing a deal to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United after making a new offer for the midfielder.

Tonali is wanted by clubs across the Premier League with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City all interested in luring him away from St James’ Park this summer.

United hold him in high regard while Arsenal’s interest is said to have stalled due to Tonali’s wage demands – with their focus now switching to his club teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

Tottenham have moved to hijack a move for the former AC Milan star however, seeing an offer worth close to £80million rejected by Newcastle.

But a fresh offer from north London has left Spurs on the brink of getting a deal done.

Ask Metro

Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.

Transfer journalist Gianluca di Marzio reports Tottenham ‘have never been closer’ than they are now to getting Tonali in the door.

The club have held fresh talks with Newcastle having made a new offer of ‘slightly above’ €100million (£86m) with Tottenham now awaiting Newcastle’s final response.

It comes after Spurs beat United in the race to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United with the Portuguese midfielder expected to arrive in a huge £85m deal.

United led the race for the former Southampton syat but were always reluctant to meet West Hma’s huge valuation.

It allowed Spurs to move in, agreeing to pay a guaranteed fee of £85m with United not willing to match it.

The former Sporting youngster made 36 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, scoring three goals, and has been capped once by Portugal.

Signing Tonali and Fernnades would serve as a major statement of intent for a side that have already been very busy this summer.

Andy Robertson Robertson and Marco Senesi have arrived on free transfers from Liverpool and Bournemouth while Jan Paul van Hecke has cost Spurs £52m from Brighton.

Arrow MORE: Atletico Madrid send transfer message to Arsenal after Julian Alvarez bombshell

Arrow MORE: Man Utd step up pursuit of £80m Arsenal and Chelsea target after missing Mateus Fernandes deal

Arrow MORE: Arsenal star prepared to leave after one season with Mikel Arteta finding replacement

Tottenham Hotspur have pulled off a major transfer coup by beating Manchester United to the signing of Mateus Fernandes.

The West Ham midfielder was linked with a string of clubs after the Hammers were relegated from the Premier League, including Real Madrid.

However, the transfer race came down to a tussle between Spurs and the Red Devils, which the north London club has won.

The Athletic report that Tottenham made the highest offer for the 21-year-old, which is reportedly £85m guaranteed.

Fernandes has agreed to make the move to Spurs and Manchester United have not been willing to match their offer.

Ask Metro

Use AI to go deeper into the stories you care about – powered by Metro and trusted publications.

The former Sporting youngster made 36 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, scoring three goals, and has been capped once by Portugal.

Spurs are conducting a huge revamp of their squad under Roberto De Zerbi and Fernandes will already be the fourth signing of the summer.

Andy Robertson, Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke have already been snapped up and the Portuguese midfielder adds to their collection of new signings.

Liverpool icon Robertson and Senesi arrive on free transfers, while Van Hecke has cost Spurs £52m from Brighton.

Fernandes will represent a record signing for Tottenham, breaking the £65m they spent on Dominic Solanke in 2024.

It is also a very profitable bit of business for West Ham, having signed the midfielder for around £38m less than 12 months ago.

Losing the race is a blow to Manchester United as they look to add at least one more midfielder to their ranks this summer.

A deal to bring in Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta has been agreed, but one more midfield option will be signed, possibly two.

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott is another player they have been tracking in that position, but the Cherries are not interested in selling him this summer.

Elliot Anderson was another man on the Red Devils’ shopping list, but Manchester City have won the race for the England international.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba has been on the radar since last summer and remains an option for Manchester United.

Arrow MORE: Arsenal accept £17m offer for title winner after Mikel Arteta sanctions exit

Arrow MORE: Bruno Guimaraes stance on Arsenal transfer after Newcastle reject £55m offer

Arrow MORE: Paul Scholes urges Man Utd to beat Arsenal and Tottenham to ‘top-class’ £100m star

Arsenal have been another chance to sign Manchester United and Tottenham target Sandro Tonali as they chase his Newcastle United teammate Bruno Guimaraes.

Mikel Arteta is determined to sign a new top-class midfielder this summer despite guiding Arsenal to a long-awaited Premier League title last season.

The Gunners were heavily linked with a move for Tonali in the backend of the January transfer window, with the Italian believed to be offered to Arsenal by his representatives.

A deal was never likely to materialise but Arsenal have continued to show interest in Tonali since, although Newcastle’s price tag and the player’s wage demands are seen as a problem.

It is in fact Tottenham and Manchester United who have moved ahead of Arsenal in the transfer race as Roberto De Zerbi and Michael Carrick look to bolster their respective squads.

Spurs had a £75m bid for Tonali rejected by Newcastle and are now weighing up making an improved offer to bring him to north London.

Manchester United could yet launch a rival move, though, as Carrick looks for midfield reinforcements following Casemiro’s departure.

The Red Devils have already signed Brazil international Ederson from Atalanta but want at least one more midfielder to arrive at Old Trafford.

While Tonali has attracted interest from United and Spurs, a move to Arsenal was not ruled out given the 26-year-old is believed to be keen to join the new Premier League champions.

According to Chronicle Live, Arsenal were once again offered the chance to sign Tonali last week by his agents at GR Sports.

But it is claimed Arsenal ‘did not entertain’ Tonali’s steep wage demands – he reportedly wants around £275,000-a-week – or the lofty agent fees associated with the deal.

As a result Arsenal are expected to focus their attentions on a deal for fellow Newcastle star Guimaraes.

Newcastle have denied any contact from Arsenal over the Brazilian but talks are expected to commence, with Arteta keen to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.

Guimaraes, who has been at St James’ Park since 2022, could be open to a summer move after Newcastle failed to qualify for any European competition.

Eddie Howe’s side featured in the Champions League last season but finished that campaign just 12th in the Premier League.

While Arsenal appear reluctant to join the race for Tonali, Jermaine Jenas believes he would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options in midfield.

‘In my opinion, Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League,’ Jenas told 10 bet.

‘He had his misdemeanour [betting ban], came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant.

‘He’s a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays. He did the same when he was at AC Milan.

‘When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martín Zubimendi, if I’m honest with you. I think he’s a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Arrow MORE: Thomas Tuchel told controversial Arsenal tactic can fix England World Cup problem

Arrow MORE: Chelsea make approach to sign World Cup star and reject £22m bid

Arrow MORE: Kyle Walker backs ‘incredible’ Arsenal star to be England’s World Cup hero

Manchester United have made a fresh approach for Mateus Fernandes and are ready to improve their contract offer to beat Tottenham in the race for the West Ham United star.

Fernandes, 21, is expected to leave West Ham this summer following their relegation from the Premier League with the Hammers demanding a fee of £80million for their prized asset.

Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have explored a move but United have emerged as front runners.

Tottenham however entered the fray in recent weeks and were reported to have reached a verbal agreement to sign the Portuguese midfielder with a huge salary offer.

United have not backed away however with respected United journalist Andy Mitten reporting that while he is willing to join Spurs, his preference is still a move to Old Trafford.

In response to Tottenham trying to blow them out of the water with a big offer, United have made fresh contact with Fernandes’ representatives.

Transfer journalist Matteo Moretto reports the Red Devils have signalled their intention to improve their contractual offer with hope of convincing him to sign.

Their next move will be to open direct talks with West Ham. United, however, are reluctant to meet West Ham’s £80m valuation of Fernandes, who was signed from Southampton for £38m plus £4m in add-ons a year ago.

United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer having already agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta.

They had planned on bringing in a third in the event of Manuel Ugarte leaving the club after two underwhelming seasons in Manchester after joining from Paris Saint-Germain.

But the Uruguay international could now be facing a lengthy layoff after suffering a knee injury in the defeat to Spain on Friday night.

The situation may heighten United’s need to sign a third midfielder this summer with Kobbie Mainoo their only recognised centre-half following Casemiro’s departure.

Arrow MORE: Newcastle join race for £76m Man Utd target after Arsenal make Bruno Guimaraes approach

Arrow MORE: Jose Mourinho tells Real Madrid to sign former Man Utd star in £69m transfer

Arrow MORE: Man City hold direct talks to sign £69m Arsenal and Liverpool transfer target

West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes still prefers a move to Manchester United despite reaching a verbal agreement with Tottenham.

The 21-year-old is set to leave West Ham this summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League last season, and is not short of options with United competing to sign the midfielder alongside Spurs, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

This week, Spurs stepped up their efforts to sign Fernandes and it is understood that the midfielder has now reached a verbal agreement to join Roberto De Zerbi’s side.

Spurs are yet to agree a transfer fee with West Ham, who are demanding £80 million for the Portuguese midfielder.

But according to Andy Mitten, Fernandes’ preference is still a move to United this summer, despite the initial agreement in place with Spurs.

‘Manchester United understand that the player wants to join the club,’ Mitten said on the Talk of the Devils podcast.

‘But West Ham want the highest fee, West Ham want an auction situation, West Ham want as much money as possible, maybe his agent does as well and the agent is influencing the player, who doesn’t want to play Championship football, Jorge Mendes is the agent.

‘I’m told that he would play for Spurs but he prefers Manchester United.’

United, however, are reluctant to meet West Ham’s £80m valuation of Fernandes, who was signed from Southampton for £38m plus £4m in add-ons a year ago.

‘It boils down to how much Manchester United are willing to pay, if the club want to pay that amount, certainly don’t want to get into an auction situation, and how highly they rate the player,’ Mitten said.

‘I know some fans are getting frustrated online, I’m not surprised, it’s always like this this time of year.

‘It’s exactly the same as [Bryan] Mbeumo, people saying, ‘why’s he not signed, this is a disgrace’. It wasn’t a disgrace, it was smart negotiation.

‘I asked Omar Berrada [United’s CEO] about the market a couple of weeks ago and to paraphrase him he said, ‘we will be disciplined, we will not let the market or agents dictate what we should be doing, we have to be ready for any eventuality and an opportunity might arise later on in the window that wasn’t there at the start’. I do not disagree with that, I’m fine with that.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Arrow MORE: Rio Ferdinand urges Man Utd to sign £70m World Cup star after Elliot Anderson agreement with Man City

Arrow MORE: Former Man Utd captain urges Michael Carrick to sign Liverpool legend

Arrow MORE: Manchester United and Chelsea enter race to hijack £69m Arsenal transfer

Tottenham have accelerated talks to sign Mateus Fernandes ahead of Manchester United having offered the midfielder a huge salary package.

United have made the West Ham star a top target for their midfield rebuild this summer with the Hammers valuing him at £80million.

Michael Carrick’s side have been reluctant to meet that price, valuing him closer at £60m, but were said to have agreed personal terms with the 21-year-old who was reportedly keen to link up with countryman Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford.

Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also explored a move but Tottenham however have made their move to hijack the deal.

It emerged this week Fernandes would also be keen on a move to Spurs with BBC Sport reporting the north London side are now optimistic of agreeing a deal.

After their brush with relegation last season, Tottenham have moved aggressively in the transfer market having already signed Marco Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool and Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52m.

They have also made an offer of around £80m for Sandro Tonali, one rejected by Newcastle United.

Fernandes is now viewed as a primary target with The Sun reporting Tottenham are prepared to make a huge salary offer that will ‘blow United out of the water.’

United already seem set to miss out on Elliot Anderson with the Nottingham Forest star preferring a move to Manchester City.

Losing out in the race to sign Fernandes would serve as a big blow to their midfield rebuild plans.

The club are also interested in signing Alex Scott from Bournemouth with Arsenal and Liverpool also keen on the England international.

United have enquired into a move only to be sold Scott is not for sale this summer.

Adam Wharton and Carlos Baleba are also of interest with a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta expected to be confirmed next month.

Arrow MORE: England’s Trevoh Chalobah told he can leave Chelsea as bid is made

Arrow MORE: Jose Mourinho open to selling £70m Real Madrid star to Manchester United

Arrow MORE: Tottenham confirm surprise free transfer of former Man Utd veteran

Tottenham have brought in veteran goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer as Roberto De Zerbi continues to reshape his squad over the summer.

Spurs have been hard at work in the transfer market, already bringing in two other free transfers in Marcos Senesi from Bournemouth and Andy Robertson from Liverpool.

There has been some big spending as well, with Jan Paul van Hecke coming in from Brighton for £52m.

Dubravka arrives after a year with Burnley, making 35 Premier League appearances for the Clarets as they suffered relegation.

That year with the Clarets continued an epic career for the 60-cap Slovakia international which saw him make his senior debut 19 years ago.

He is best known for his eight years at Newcastle United, where he made 179 appearances in all competitions and won the Carabao Cup in 2025.

Dubravka also picked up a winner’smedal for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup triumph in 2023, having made two appearances in the competition in a loan spell.

He showed he can still perform in the top flight last season and is looking forward to the latest chapter in his career.

‘It’s an exciting time for me, a new journey and new experience for me and my family. I’m looking forward to it,’ he said.

‘Everything moved pretty quickly and I’m really happy to be here. I’ve loved watching Roberto’s teams over the years and know all about his style, vision and the fantastic fans here.

‘Tottenham Hotspur is one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I can’t wait to meet everyone and get started.’

Spurs boss De Zerbi added: ‘I am very happy because Martin is a goalkeeper with big experience and a strong mentality.

‘He has very important qualities for me and will bring balance, leadership and competitiveness to our dressing room.’

The goalkeeping situation at Spurs is a bit up in the air, with Antonin Kinsky replacing Guglielmo Vicario as first choice late in the season.

The Czech goalkeeper seems set to continue in that role for now, but whether he is the long-term option is yet to be seen.

Arrow MORE: Man Utd told to pull out of £80m transfer after agreeing personal terms

Arrow MORE: Tottenham set to complete shock signing of highly-rated Arsenal youngster

Arrow MORE: Mateus Fernandes makes shock transfer decision after Man Utd agree terms with £80m star

Tottenham are on the verge of completing an audacious move and poaching highly-rated Arsenal youngster Kyran Thompson.

The 16-year-old joined the Gunners from West Ham two years ago and looked destined to become the next gem to roll off the Hale End Academy production line.

Thompson has made rapid progress through the ranks and has already made his Under 21 debut in Premier League 2.

Arsenal had been hoping to tie Thompson down to a new contact with his current scholarship terms expiring in little over a week’s time.

With little progress having been made, rival clubs are beginning to circle with intent.

Manchester City attempted to sign the winger when he left the Hammers in a £1.1million deal and, according to the Daily Mail, have revived their interest.

Spurs, however, have emerged as the leading contenders to sign Thompson and are said to be growing increasingly confident of winning the race to sign a player Arsenal had earmarked for a bright future.

The likes of Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri and Max Dowman have all made first team impressions over the course of the last 18 months with Mikel Arteta increasingly willing to give young players a chance.

Marli Salmon and Jaden Dixon also made their senior debuts last season and Thompson, it was assumed, was on course to follow suit in the coming years.

The competition for attacking places at Arsenal is intense, however, with Leicester City’s Jeremy Monga, who plays in a similar position to Thompson, on the verge of agreeing a move to the Premier League champions.

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, Arsenal are still settling on a replacement for Per Mertesacker.

The former club captain has served as academy director for the entirety of Arteta’s managerial reign but departed at the end of last season.

Arrow MORE: Mateus Fernandes makes shock transfer decision after Man Utd agree terms with £80m star

Arrow MORE: Morgan Rogers makes Arsenal transfer decision after Chelsea and Man Utd interest

Arrow MORE: Marcus Rashford stance on Tottenham transfer revealed as Spurs target £40m Manchester United forward