SPORTbible

West Ham United have accepted a bid for Mateus Fernandes after the midfielder decided which club to join.

While the majority of European leagues wait until July to open the transfer window, Premier League clubs have now had more than two weeks to work on deals while the World Cup takes place.

The Premier League transfer officially opened on Monday 15 June, with several clubs already completing deals in the early part of the window.

So far the biggest transfer saga of the summer so far has centred on West Ham United star Fernandes, who has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe.

After weeks of rumours, it was widely reported that Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur were the two frontrunners for the Portugal international's signature, with the Premier League rivals battling it out to secure a deal.

Several reports had suggested that Fernandes was willing to join either club and that it would ultimately come down to West Ham to decide his next destination.

And now, it has been revealed that it is Spurs that have won the race for Fernandes, after making the highest offer to West Ham.

According to David Ornstein, West Ham have accepted an offer worth a guaranteed £85million from their London rivals, with Fernandes happy to make the move.

The report adds that United were simply priced out of the battle as the transfer fee and the player’s salary went higher than they were willing to pay, and the club will now shift their focus to other targets.

Tottenham are reportedly prepared to make a big move in order to beat Manchester United in the race for Matheus Fernandes.

The Premier League transfer window has only been open for two weeks and already several clubs are battling each other for major signings.

Early in the window, Liverpool once again signed a player at the expense of Newcastle United after triggering Osasuna winger’s Victor Munoz's €40million (£34.6m) release clause.

However, the biggest battle of the summer so far appears to be between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, who both are pursuing deals for West Ham's Fernandes.

The Portugal international is widely regarded as one of the most exciting midfielders in England and could be available following the London club's relegation on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

Despite interest from several clubs, both Spurs and United have emerged as the frontrunners to sign major the 21-year-old, with talks progressing over deal in worth around £85million.

In a recent update, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that Fernandes remains open to joining either club, with the decision ultimately up to West Ham.

“The player is ready to accept both projects. It now depends on the club, so who can agree terms with West Ham will get the player," Romano stated on his YouTube channel.

"It’s about the money, because they start at £85million, could be more if these clubs keep fighting for the same player, and also payment tariffs are also important for West Ham, so it’s not just about the fee, it’s also about the timing to pay this money.”

Several reports have suggested that it is United are currently leading the way, but Spurs could be prepared to step up their pursuit with a drastic call.

Spurs considering swap deal to secure Matheus Fernandes transfer

According to TeamTalk, Spurs have offered several players in an attempt to tempt them into accepting their deal instead of United's.

One of the players included in a potential deal is believed to be young winger Mikey Moore, who impressed during a loan spell with Rangers last season.

The 18-year-old made 47 appearances across all competitions last season, starting 32, with seven goals and four assists.

It was previously believed that the youngster could return to the Ibrox on another loan deal this season, but he could instead by used to secure a move for Fernandes.

With the Hammers believed to be losing at least one of Crysensico Summerville or Jarrod Bowen this summer, the club could be tempted to take up an offer of an exciting new winger ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

Despite this, the report reaffirms the view that a move to Old Trafford remains Fernandes' top choice, with talks between United and West Ham to finalise a deal believed to be progressing.

With Roberto De Zerbi looking to reignite Tottenham Hotspur after a dismal relegation battle in the 2025/26 season, a barrage of signings is being targeted, and Manchester City is a familiar scouting ground.

Spurs have already gotten their rebuild underway with Premier League quality flooding through the gates at their new, swanky stadium.

The new Spurs boss has identified a marquee signing too, as the London club has become the number one destination for pending Newcastle departee Sandro Tonali, although the club has sent some bizarre offers to the Magpies to try and get the deal done.

Sticking with the theme of targeting proven stars, Spurs have now turned their attention towards attacking figures from Liverpool and Manchester City, with the latest rumours indicating a massive coup of the Etihad is on the cards.

Having renewed interest in Brazilian winger Savinho this summer, reports claim that Spurs now want Omar Marmoush.

Spurs reportedly target Marmoush to solve their miserable striker issues

One of the biggest issues at Tottenham comes in the form of their front line. With Dejan Kulusevski still some way off returning, Mohammed Kudus still treating an ACL injury, and Dominic Solanke failing to string together a run of games, the big-money signings have been less than impactful.

Summer recruits in Randal Kolo Muani, Mathys Tel, and Wilson Odebert didn't pull up many trees either, leaving De Zerbi short of goals for the upcoming season.

Now, reports suggest that Omar Marmoush is high up on the list of striking options that Spurs want leading the line next season.

According to independent journalist Nicolò Schira, Marmoush is 'loved' by De Zerbi and would be guaranteed more football than he currently gets at Manchester City.

The 27-year-old forward cost City around £65 million when he arrived from Frankfurt in January, 2025, and has managed 22 goals and assists in 61 appearances.

Marmoush has attracted attention from a number of clubs this summer, though, after being a consistent feature of the City bench, falling down the pecking order dominated by Haaland in the 9 and Cherki in the 10.

The exciting forward may be getting the Julian Alvarez treatment, hoping for more game time.

Spurs will have to fend off competition from Barcelona and Fenerbahçe, who have both been linked with the Egyptian forward.

For now, Marmoush will be keeping his focus fixed on the national team, as Egypt currently tops Group G and is already through to the Round of 32.

Instead of making an improved offer for Sandro Tonali, Tottenham reportedly asked Newcastle United to 'reconsider' their original bid – an approach that has been ridiculed by fans.

Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a huge admirer of Tonali, who is also being monitored by a host of clubs, including Manchester City and Arsenal.

The 26-year-old, meanwhile, is keen to explore his options ahead of the new season. In fact, he is open to a move to London after three seasons with Newcastle, according to a report from the Mail.

Tottenham are pushing to make a deal happen. Following positive talks with Tonali’s camp, they made a £75 million offer for the Italian last week, although that bid was turned down by their Premier League counterparts.

Newcastle believe a figure of around £100 million would be more suitable for the midfielder.

That being said, Tottenham have tried their luck with an unusual approach. Instead of improving on their original offer of £75 million, the club asked Newcastle to reconsider. Unsurprisingly, they were knocked back again.

Here's how fans on social media reacted to Tottenham's latest move.

One said: "Sorry, they just bid the exact same amount and hoped for a different answer?" and a second commented: "Might be one of the greatest transfer stories all summer."

A third wrote: "Spurs think they’re on Vinted," and a fourth said: "Not improving your offer but asking them to reconsider might be one of the funniest transfer moves of all time."

A fifth added: "There is a reason why people call us 'Spursy' laughing stock as always."

Sandro Tonali's preference revealed amid Spurs and Arsenal interest

Arsenal's long-standing interest in Tonali is well known. They explored a potential deal in January and, although no definitive interest has emerged from the Gunners this summer, the Italian would be keen.

Arsenal are understood to be Tonali's preference should they firm up their interest, according to the Mail.

Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer, meanwhile, has questioned whether a move to Arsenal's North London rivals Tottenham would be the right one.

“Tottenham just avoided relegation," he said. “I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes.

“But I’m not surprised if it’s true that he’s made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle.

“Again, if he doesn’t want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it. It looks as if it’ll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100 million plus and you move on.

“I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London, obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years," added Shearer.

Manchester United are set to lose out on their top midfield target to Spurs as they refuse to pay over the odds this summer.

With Casemiro departing Old Trafford this summer, United are looking for a major reshuffle in the position and have already agreed a £35 million deal to bring Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson.

That transfer appears to have been wrapped up with relative ease but their pursuit of Portugal midfielder Matheus Fernandes is proving trickier.

United have been heavily linked with Fernandes, who has just been relegated from the Premier League on the final day with West Ham.

Despite failing to help the Hammers avoid the drop, the former Sporting CP man's stock has risen and he was nominated for the Premier League Young Player of the Season award.

Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been credited with interest but the latest development from TEAMtalk is that Spurs are edging closer to an agreement for Fernandes.

West Ham are demanding a fee of £85 million and Spurs are said to be prepared to fork out the club-record sum.

They are willing to pay £65 million up front, with the remainder of the fee coming in add-ons and performance-related bonuses.

The report notes that a deal is "advancing rapidly", with Fernandes giving his full green light and accepting personal terms offered.

A move to Spurs, where he would be a key piece of Roberto De Zerbi's project, would allow him to remain living in London.

While United are not completely out of the race and talks are still ongoing, they are believed to be reluctant to pay over the odds for any player.

That could be the difference in the pursuit for the 21-year-old as United skipper Bruno Fernandes is his idol and they can now offer him Champions League football.

United's director of football Jason Wilcox is set to be leading proceedings on the Fernandes front.

Man United identify alternative if Matheus Fernandes move falls through

As well as not wanting to repeat previous mistakes by splashing on huge transfer fees, United are wary of offering big wages which could cause them problems further down the line.

Fernandes joined West Ham from Southampton last summer for more than £40 million.

He made his Portugal debut in March in a friendly against the United States bit was not included in Roberto Martinez's World Cup squad as the former Belgium boss opted to include an extra goalkeeper.

United do have other alternatives in mind when it comes to midfield reinforcements, with Bournemouth star Alex Scott understood to be a player of interest.

New Cherries boss Marco Rose has made it clear that he does not wish to sell Scott despite United being admirers of the talented midfielder.

Scott was integral to Bournemouth's historic sixth-place finish under Andoni Iraola and was in Thomas Tuchel's thinking for the England squad as he headed to Florida with the squad for a pre-World Cup training camp.

Djed Spence's first start for England in their World Cup stage fixture against Ghana has cost his club Tottenham Hotspur a seven-figure fee.

The 25-year-old was chosen to start at left-back by head coach Thomas Tuchel during England's 0-0 draw on Tuesday.

He had earlier come on as a 80th-minute substitute in the opening 4-2 win over Croatia, and impressed sufficiently to replace Nico O'Reilly against Ghana in Boston.

Spence didn't have a significant impact on proceedings on Tuesday, but the same could be said for many of the England starting XI.

Tuchel could be seen on the sidelines berating Spence and left winger Anthony Gordon during the second half, and the pair were substituted at the same time minutes later.

READ NEXT: Thomas Tuchel caught on camera berating one England player during Ghana draw

Like Spence did in the first game, O'Reilly made a positive difference when he replaced the Spurs star on 65 minutes, meaning the pair will surely now do battle for a place in the starting XI for England's third and final group match against Panama.

Why Spurs have to pay extra for Spence

In the meantime, Spurs will have to shell out a seven-figure fee to Spence's previous club Middlesbrough as a result of a clause that was part of the £20 million deal between the two clubs back in 2022.

That's according to Teeside Live, who report that the clause entitles Boro to a fee of £2 million after Spence starts two competitive England matches.

He was named in the starting XI for England's 5-0 win over Latvia in World Cup qualifying last October.

It is also noted that Boro may also benefit from a deal involving Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal this summer.

The Gunners are reportedly keen on a move for Aston Villa and England star Morgan Rogers, despite Villa placing a price tag of at least £100 million on one of their key assets.

Rogers came through West Brom's academy before signing for Manchester City in 2019, where he spent four years without making a competitive appearance.

After three loan spells elsewhere, he joined Championship side Middlesbrough in the summer of 2023.

Rogers only spent six months on Teeside before Aston Villa signed him for a fee of £8 million, potentially rising to £15m, the following January.

While part of that fee - believed to be 25 per cent - went to Manchester City due to a sell-on clause inserted into the Boro deal, the Championship club stand to benefit substantially from any sale of Rogers.

Their own 20 per cent sell-on fee means they could pocket £20 million or more should Rogers move to Arsenal for a nine-figure fee this summer.

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Villa may need to sell a player before the end of the summer to comply with Premier League financial regulations.

"Villa can definitely paint themselves as being in a very strong position to either keep or sell for a fee approaching £100 million," he told the Latte Firm podcast.

"Villa still, even with Champions League football, are looking for a major sale in order to balance their books, get through the final cycle of PSR and satisfy Financial Fair Play."

Newcastle United have reportedly rejected a bid in the region of £80 million for Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Newcastle rebuffed the approach from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, according to BBC Sport, with Spurs' Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi understood to be eager to add his compatriot to the Spurs midfield ranks.

Sami Mokbel and Newcastle correspondent Ciaran Kelly report that the Magpies are holding out for a higher price for the 26-year-old, who is also an apparent target for Arsenal and Manchester City.

As clubs circle around Tonali, a report in Spain has listed Europa League winners Aston Villa as one of a number of clubs interested in another of Newcastle's young stars.

According to AS, Newcastle could allow striker Nick Woltemade leave after just one season if an asking price of £56 million is met.

"Woltemade's first season [at Newcastle] hasn't been successful, and there are rumours he could leave in this transfer window," reports Francisco Diaz.

"Several teams are closely monitoring the situation, and Atletico Madrid is one of them.

"In the Premier League, it's widely assumed he'll leave Newcastle, who are reportedly asking for €65 million for the striker.

"However, a loan move is also a possibility, as he seeks the goals and consistency he's lacked at his current club. He started brightly, scoring and playing well, but his role diminished as the season progressed.

"Aston Villa could potentially meet Newcastle's asking price, though they aren't the only suitors."

Borussia Dortmund are also tracking the 24-year-old, claims Diaz.

Woltemade joined Newcastle from Stuttgart last summer for a club record fee and scored eight goals in 33 Premier League appearances.

He's currently at the World Cup with Germany but did not feature in either of their group stage wins against Curacao and Ivory Coast.

The transfer window is a chance for Newcastle to refresh their fortunes

Eddie Howe's Magpies qualified for the Champions League through their league position in 2024-25, winning their first major trophy for 70 years for good measure.

But last season was a different story. Newcastle finished in the bottom half of the Premier League table and missed out on a European place by four points.

Winger Anthony Gordon has already been sold to Barcelona for a significant fee and further sales, so soon after the big-money departure of Alexander Isak to Liverpool a year ago, would allow the Tynesiders to retool for a European push in 2026-27.

Spurs' pursuit of Tonali isn't their first under De Zerbi.

The North London side, who finished one place outside the relegation zone, have already spent big on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have signed on free transfers after leaving AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool respectively.

Manchester United are preparing an offer for Cristian Romero, according to reports – and Spurs feel 'the time has come' for the defender to move on as they target a replacement who would 'tick a lot of boxes'.

Romero, who has been strongly linked with a move away from the North London club in recent months, looks set to leave amid interest from elsewhere.

Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are long-term admirers of the 28-year-old centre-back, who made 32 appearances in all competitions last season, while Manchester United are also said to be keen on a potential deal.

In fact, reliable Argentine journalist Gastón Edul has claimed United want to buy Romero and are preparing an offer.

So, how much would United pay for the defender? Earlier this year, Romero's father confirmed that his son has a "very high release clause" in his current contract at Tottenham.

"He has two more years on his contract with Tottenham and a very high release clause," Victor Romero said. "The English club isn't going to let him go for free; it's between $50-70m [£37.8m-£53m]."

He added: "For me, they'll want to recover what they invested."

Tottenham feel 'time has come' for Cristian Romero to leave

It looks like Romero's time at Spurs is coming to an end. Speaking to Football Insider, former Tottenham scout Mick Brown believes the Argentine is expected to move on this summer.

"There are doubts about Romero, they expect him to move on," Brown said.

"Everybody always says what a good player he is when he's available, but it's his attitude and application which have always been the big problem with him.

"Van Hecke is somebody they’ve admired for a while, and I’ve always liked the look of him at Brighton, I think he’s really stepped up in recent years.

"Tottenham feel the time has come for Romero to move on, but of course he will need replacing because he's still been a regular player for them.

"Van Hecke would tick a lot of boxes in that regard, he could come into the side to replace him with his height and physicality, and he's not bad with the ball at his feet.

"There are a lot of positives to the idea that he could replace Romero, and it will be a step in the right direction for De Zerbi getting his ideas across as well."

Tottenham have identified Romero replacement but two bids rejected

Brighton CEO Paul Barber recently confirmed they turned down a second bid from Tottenham for centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who is believed to be keen on making the move.

"There's always going to be a lot of interest in our best players, and certainly in the case of Jan Paul," Barber told talkSPORT.

"We've been very clear that that interest has been ongoing for a while, it's coming from multiple sources. Yes, we have rejected a bid from Tottenham over the last week or so, in fact, two bids.

"From that point of view, it has to be right for us as well as the player. We have to be in a position to make the best trades to suit our model and also to make sure that we're supporting Fabian [Hurzeler], because he's got another big season ahead of him."

The 26-year-old could join Marco Senesi, who is expected to join Spurs on a free this summer.

Tottenham want to seal the signing of a second Liverpool player after completing a move for Andy Robertson - and it could spark a Europe-wide domino effect.

Spurs confirmed on Friday afternoon that Robertson would join the club from July 1 following the expiry of his Liverpool contract.

The Scotland captain, who is currently preparing to lead his nation out at this summer's World Cup, won nine trophies during his nine-year spell at Anfield.

His departure was announced ahead of the final game of the Premier League season and it has long been expected that he would move to Spurs.

According to reports, Liverpool will not buy a replacement for Robertson and will instead keep Kostas Tsimikas at the club following his return from a season-long loan at Roma.

But Spurs' interest in another Reds star could blow their transfer window wide open.

According to Dutch outlet SoccerNews.nl, Roberto De Zerbi's side have expressed interest in signing forward Cody Gakpo, with Spurs already planning an approach.

Gakpo signed a new long-term contract to remain at Anfield last summer, but the same outlet claimed on Thursday that he had submitted a transfer request.

It is said that the 27-year-old 'does not see a future' at Liverpool following the sacking of previous manager Arne Slot, who was replaced by Andoni Iraola on Thursday.

Gakpo was one of Slot's most trusted players and he started 33 league games last season.

Liverpool set for potential domino effect

His exit would potentially solve a major dilemma for Liverpool, as it would unlock extra funds to target the signing of a new winger.

Sky Sports reported on Thursday that they had approached RB Leipzig over the signing of Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, with the 19-year-old valued at £120 million.

Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain are also said to be interested in Diomande - and the French giants could turn their attention towards Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez if a move falls through.

Barcelona's interest in Alvarez is already public knowledge, with Atletico having criticised their Spanish rivals over the pursuit of the forward on social media.

That domino effect, therefore, could stretch as far as Manchester United, who are still in limbo regarding Marcus Rashford's future.

The England forward's season-long loan at Barca expires on June 30 and, as things stand, he will return to Old Trafford once he comes back from World Cup duty.

If Barca miss out on Alvarez, though, that could prompt a permanent deal for Rashford being wrapped up fairly quickly - and leave United with additional money to fund their transfer plans this summer under the permanent management of Michael Carrick.

Andy Robertson has a difficult decision to make in the coming days after one of Europe's biggest clubs made a late attempt to hijack his proposed move to Tottenham.

The 32-year-old defender, who will leave Liverpool when his contract expires in June, has an agreement in principle to join Tottenham after they avoided relegation on the final day of the Premier League season.

Spurs had held talks over recruiting Robertson in the January transfer window and it was widely reported that a deal was on the verge of being wrapped up.

However, a move to North London looks to have been put on hold after Italian giants Juventus made a late enquiry.

In fact, talks have taken place to 'understand the conditions' of a transfer, according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who claims Juve are weighing up whether to make a formal offer for the Scotland international.

Sky in Italy also report that the Serie A side have made an approach for Robertson.

Andy Robertson speaks out on Tottenham transfer approach

Earlier this month, Robertson admitted the decision to turn down a January move to Tottenham and stay with Liverpool was his.

"There was obviously interest there and discussions were had with both sets of clubs," he said. "But the decision was that I wanted to stay. We stayed at Liverpool and that was the decision made.

"I was never not committed. I've been committed to Liverpool for the last eight and a half or nine years now and I'll be committed until I'm no longer needed. That's always been my mindset. This club has given me everything and I've given this club everything.

"It's been a fantastic relationship so hopefully that continues and obviously January happened, but it is now gone. Now we move forward and like I said, my focus never came off trying to help the lads on the pitch and in training.

"Whatever was happening behind the scenes happened, and all I can say is that I kept focusing on football.

"I've always said that [the talks] will stay between me and the club. I don't think it will get played out in public. It is not one of them. I have got an amazing relationship with Richard Hughes and with Mike Gordon and Michael Edwards.

"I've had a good relationship with these people and these people brought me to the football club. They have helped make me who I am, so in that respect, we've had a fantastic relationship. I think out of respect to them, and they have respected me, then the conversations will be in-house."

Roberston added: "When a decision is made, and we're getting to the point where I only have three months left on my contract, it will be announced to you guys."