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Mateus Fernandes: Tottenham beat Manchester United to £85m signing to shatter club-record buy

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Tottenham beat Man Utd to £85m Fernandes signing in huge transfer coup - London Evening Standard
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Both Spurs and Man Utd had made the young Portuguese a priority summer signing as the Hammers welcomed a bidding war.

Both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also said to hold an interest in one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders

Fernandes was prepared to join either club, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiated with the rival bidders.

And Standard Sport understands that Spurs have triumphed, beating Man Utd to their no1 summer target with bigger financial outlay.

Spurs will pay a guaranteed £85m fix fee for the 21-year-old, easily surpassing the previous club-record £65m purchase of Dominic Solanke in 2024.

Man Utd’s finances could not match Spurs’ might, both in terms of fee and player salary.

Fernandes will now become Spurs’ fifth summer signing, after Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.

Man Utd will now look at alternative midfield options after suffering a huge blow to their summer plans.

West Ham players return to training next week, and Spurs will now look to wrap up the deal in time for Fernandes to begin pre-season in north London.

Fernandes’ imminent arrival will mark the second summer running that Spurs have signed a star player from their rivals.

Spurs will then look to wrap up a deal for Sandro Tonali as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to completely overhaul his midfield.

Newcastle are demanding close to £100m for their midfielder, which would see Spurs smash their club-record transfer for the second time.

Tottenham: Roberto De Zerbi sets huge Antonin Kinsky target as new Spurs deal confirmed

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De Zerbi sets huge Kinsky target as new Tottenham deal confirmed - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham boss Roberto De Zerbi has backed Antonin Kinsky to become “one of the best goalkeepers in Europe” after confirmation of his new contract.

Kinsky has now officially signed a fresh long-term deal at Spurs believed to be five years in length, featuring enhanced terms and the option of a further 12 months.

It is a significant show of faith from Tottenham in the 23-year-old, whose career at the club looked all but over after he was substituted by former head coach Igor Tudor after only 17 minutes of a Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid in March.

Kinsky - previously the deputy to regular No1 Guglielmo Vicario - was surprisingly selected for a rare start in Spain, but two early slips led directly to Atletico goals and he was hooked with Spurs already trailing 3-0 after quarter of an hour.

A horror evening led to inevitable doubts over the Czech’s Tottenham future, though he later enjoyed a stunning resurgence under De Zerbi as he started all seven games following the latter’s appointment to replace Tudor and played a vital role as Spurs avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season.

Barring another new arrival amid links to the likes of England’s James Trafford, Kinsky now looks set to become Spurs’ regular first-choice goalkeeper, with Vicario widely expected to return to Serie A this summer after attracting interest from Juventus, among other suitors.

Martin Dubravka will join Tottenham this week on a free transfer after the conclusion of his contract at relegated Burnley and is expected to provide cover for Kinsky, with Brandon Austin likely to continue in his role as No3.

“Toni [Kinsky] was outstanding over the final seven games of the season and a key part of what we achieved in that period,” said Spurs head coach De Zerbi.

“I am delighted he has committed his future to the club. He has earned this new contract, not only with his performances but also his professionalism and desire to improve.

“We have huge belief in what Toni can become. He is still young, has enormous potential and I know that Spurs is the perfect place for him to continue to develop into one of the best goalkeepers in Europe.”

After his new contract was confirmed, Kinsky said: “I'm so happy and I can feel the trust from the club. When I joined 18 months ago, my expectations were to fight for my place in the team and to wear this shirt every week.

“It's been a real journey to get here and a nice story already, and I'm looking forward to what lies ahead over the next months and years.

“Everyone around the club feels that we can have a successful season and I want to contribute to that. We want to give the fans what they want and what this Club deserves.”

Major Manchester United bid for Mateus Fernandes imminent as West Ham deadline emerges

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Major Man Utd bid for Fernandes imminent as West Ham deadline emerges - London Evening Standard
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Manchester United’s first bid for Mateus Fernandes is imminent as the club look to beat Tottenham to the West Ham star’s signature.

Fernandes is at the centre of a transfer battle between Man Utd and Spurs.

West Ham have been long resigned to losing Fernandes, less than a year after he joined from Southampton in a deal worth £38million.

The Hammers are set to pocket more than double that fee, with the asking price set at £80m, and will welcome a bidding war between clubs.

BBC Sport report that Fernandes' future is expected to become much clearer this week, with West Ham’s pre-season beginning on Monday, July 6.

Fernandes was not expected to be among the players returning to West Ham’s training ground Rush Green next week, but as it stand he will be expected to clock in.

But the soft deadline is expected to prompt progress on Fernandes’ exit, with a first formal offer from Man Utd said to be imminent.

Spurs are understood to be ready to trump any Man Utd bid, and BBC Sport report that Fernandes is keeping his options open regarding his next club.

Man Utd are not willing to match West Ham’s £80m valuation but Spurs are.

It has also been reported elsewhere that Spurs have attempted to sweeten the deal by offering young star winger Mikey Moore on loan.

Fernandes’ agent, Jorge Mendes, has held discussions with both Manchester United and Tottenham and no decision on has been made on a bidding-war winner.

United's players are scheduled to return for pre-season training on Thursday, July 9, and Fernandes could be part of the group should any deal progress as the club desires.

Marcus Rashford issues verdict on Tottenham transfer ahead of Manchester United return

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Rashford issues verdict on Tottenham transfer ahead of Man Utd return - London Evening Standard
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Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining Tottenham, or any English club, this summer, as he prepares to return to Manchester United.

Rashford is still expected to leave Old Trafford this summer, despite Barcelona opting against triggering their £26million option to sign the England international permanently.

It leaves Rashford at somewhat of a quandary when he returns from international duty at the World Cup with England.

The Athletic report that Rashford has no desire to play for a Premier League rival, with only a move abroad of interest at it stands.

The report adds that United wish to avoid a third loan, and Rashford is currently not being targeted by suitors of a level would tempt him to leave Old Trafford.

Barca covered Rashford’s eye-watering £375,000-a-week salary during the player’s loan spell, and Man Utd are expected take on that wage from July 1.

The Sun report that United are in no rush to decide Rashford’s future, and have no ruled out the player being reintegrated into the squad.

The same report adds that Spurs are prepared to pay Rashford’s salary, but the player it appears to no currently interested in exploring options elsewhere in England.

He told The Rest is Football podcast: “I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and have had great times with him over the years.

“I know what a wonderful player he can be. It’s up to the club and Marcus to find a mutual agreement.

“Of course, if Marcus does come back, we want him to play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for himself, it needs to be right for the club.

Luka Vuskovic makes Tottenham transfer decision amid Brighton bids

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Luka Vuskovic makes Tottenham transfer decision amid Brighton bids - London Evening Standard
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Luka Vuskovic’s Tottenham future will be resolved once Croatia’s World Cup exploits end, which could come this week.

Croatia are set to take on Portugal in the round of 32 overnight on Thursday, into Friday morning, after finishing second in Group L following a 2-1 win over Ghana.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will go into the game against Portugal as underdogs, and Standard Sport understands that Vuskovic’s full focus is on helping Croatia reach the next round.

Vuskovic, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, is determined to leave the club this summer to explore first-team opportunities elsewhere.

As Standard Sport reported, the 19-year-old is prepared to submit a transfer request to seal a move away and has attracted interest from Brighton as well as a host of top European teams.

Brighton have already had at least two bids rejected for the teenager, who enjoyed a superb season on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg last year and was subsequently called up to Croatia’s World Cup squad.

He started their opening game of the group stage, a 4-2 defeat to England, but has been named on the bench in their last two games against Panama and Ghana.

Vuskovic is tipped as one of the brightest young defenders in Europe, but after talks with Roberto De Zerbi, it became clear the Spurs boss could not offer him consistent first-team minutes.

Spurs have already signed centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer, with De Zerbi keen to add experience and leadership to his backline.

Asked about his future at the start of the World Cup, Vuskovic said he wanted to play for a club that wanted him.

"For now, I’m focused only on the World Cup,” Vuskovic said.

“My goal next season is to play for a club that wants me and where I will play. We’ll see what happens in the coming days and weeks."

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal FC in Scott talks, Rogers twist; Man Utd medical; Chelsea done deal; Liverpool latest

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Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal have Rogers alternative, Man Utd medical - London Evening Standard
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Sport | Football

Transfer news LIVE: Arsenal in Scott talks, Rogers twist; Man Utd medical; Chelsea done deal; Liverpool latest

All the latest news, rumours and gossip during the summer window

Transfer targets: Alex Scott, Sandro Tonali and Morgan Rogers

London Standard

Alex Young, Senior Sport Editor @ alexwsyoung

Transfer news LIVE!

The summer window has taken another twist as Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham work hard on securing new signings. The Gunners are working on bringing two of the Premier League's best midfielders to the Emirates, with Morgan Rogers their transfer priority and Bruno Guimaraes potentially available for cheaper than expected. Aston Villa are demanding £130million for Rogers, after Manchester City paid £116m for Elliot Anderson. The Gunners have explored a move for Alex Scott as an alternative.

Spurs also want a Newcastle midfielder and are closing in on the signing of Sandro Tonali, having reportedly agreed to make him their highest-paid player ever. Midfielder are en vogue as Chelsea work on convincing Sunderland to part ways with Granit Xhaka after seeing a first bid worth £8m rejected. They are also in talks to sign Maxence Lacroix and are wrapping up a deal for Marco Palestra as Xabi Alonso's first signing.

Manchester United remain in talks to sign Mateus Fernandes, but face competition from Spurs, and have booked medical for wonderkid Cristian Orozco. Maxi Araujo is said to be of interest, while Liverpool will look to sign Bradley Barcola are missing out on Yan Diomande to Paris Saint-Germain. Follow the latest transfer news, rumours and gossip live below!

Latest transfer news and rumours

Ugarte loss 'disappointing' for Man Utd

The loss of Manuel Ugarte to a knee ligament injury is hugely disappointing for the midfielder and his club, Manchester United, The Athletic report.

It will not only consign him to an extended period on the sidelines but also ends any chance of him leaving Old Trafford, which was very possible as part of United’s summer transfer market activity.

If Ugarte had gone, it would have created space — from a squad and financial perspective — to help United do the work they planned in that area of the pitch.

But the better news for United is that the business they want to execute was never contingent on him departing and, after a period of cost-cutting, the Old Trafford side are in sufficiently robust condition to cope regardless.

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Spurs issue Bergvall stance amid transfer request

Tottenham want to keep wantaway midfielder Lucas Bergvall, the Telegraph report.

The Swede handed in a transfer request at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, wanting more game time, but the feeling at Spurs is that he is a key part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans, with the Italian wanting to keep him.

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Amorim wants Mount reunion

Ruben Amorim wants to be reunited with Mason Mount at AC Milan.

According to the Daily Mail, the Manchester United midfielder is a target for the Italian side this summer.

Manchester United have insisted that the 27-year-old is not for sale, but it has been suggested that Mount could be attracted to a move abroad.

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Everton double raid on Chelsea

Tyrique George is not the only youngster leaving Chelsea for Everton.

According to Fabrizio Romano, academy product Arthur Barratt will follow George to the Hill Dickenson Stadium with a fee agreed for a permanent transfer.

Barratt is said to have had interest from several Premier League clubs.

Everton set to sign Chelsea man permanently

Everton are on the verge of signing Chelsea winger Tyrique George on a permanent deal, after his successful loan spell.

The 20-year-old joined the Toffees for the second half of last season and has impressed manager David Moyes despite making just 11 appearances, including one start.

BBC Sport report that Everton have renegotiated the original £25million purchase option into a lower upfront fee with performance-related add-ons.

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Rashford responds to Tottenham interest

Marcus Rashford has no interest in joining Tottenham, or any English club, this summer.

That's according to The Athletic, who report that Rashford is on course to rejoin the first-team group in pre-season training next month.

There is little suggestion that Rashford has a future at Man Utd, but his exits options are narrow given his lack of desire to move to a Premier League rival

United wish to avoid a third loan and Barcelona will not sign him permanently. The report adds that Rashford currently not being targeted by suitors of a level would tempt him to leave.

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Vuskovic makes Tottenham transfer decision

Luka Vuskovic’s Tottenham future will be resolved once Croatia’s World Cup exploits end, which could come this week, writes Sam Tabuteau.

Croatia are set to take on Portugal in the round of 32 overnight on Thursday, into Friday morning, after finishing second in Group L following a 2-1 win over Ghana.

Zlatko Dalic’s side will go into the game against Portugal as underdogs, and Standard Sport understands that Vuskovic’s full focus is on helping Croatia reach the next round.

Vuskovic, who has yet to make a competitive appearance for Spurs, is determined to leave the club this summer to explore first-team opportunities elsewhere.

As Standard Sport reported, the 19-year-old is prepared to submit a transfer request to seal a move away and has attracted interest from Brighton as well as a host of top European teams.

Read more here!

PA

Chelsea in talks over Pep Chavarria deal

Chelsea are in talks to sign Pep Chavarria.

The Rayo Vallecano left-back has emerged as a surprise transfer target for the Blues in recent days as they look to compensate for the loss of Marc Cucurella, who will join Real Madrid for £51.8m after the World Cup.

According to Fabrizio Romano this morning, Chelsea are in active talks with Vallecano over a deal for Chavarria.

He says the Spaniard - who lined up against Crystal Palace in the Conference League final last month - has also had initial contact with Chelsea and is keen to join their new era under compatriot Xabi Alonso.

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Lille set TWO asking prices for Bouaddi - here's why

Lille are demanding at least £70million for highly-rated midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi this summer, but there is a twist.

The club will still want the played loan back to them for the season at that price.

If interested suitors want Bouaddi without the loan agreement, it will cost them closet to £85m.

The 19-year-old has enhanced his reputation with a string of impressive performances for Morocco at the World Cup, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs.

Arsenal are said to be leading the race for his signature, although Liverpool and Manchester City are also monitoring the teenager closely.

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Gyokeres reacts to Arsenal exit rumours

Victor Gyokeres insists he is very happy at Arsenal amid links with a possible swap deal involving Julian Alvarez.

Speaking before Sweden’s World Cup last-32 clash with France, Gyokeres played down speculation over his future.

“Of course it’s flattering to see that clubs are interested but I feel extremely comfortable at Arsenal,” he said.

“After the season we have had, I only have positive feelings.”

Asked how he handles transfer rumours during the tournament, Gyokeres said: “Nothing. I’m here, have a fairly important match, and that is the main focus.”

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The three huge Tottenham issues De Zerbi must solve - London Evening Standard
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Tottenham make fifth summer transfer decision as deal confirmed

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Tottenham make fifth summer transfer decision as deal confirmed - London Evening Standard
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The Argentine striker, 22, will leave Spurs on July 1 after a permanent deal was agreed with Brazilian side Bahia, rumoured to be worth around €9million (£7.7m).

It marks the end of an underwhelming three-year spell at Tottenham for Veliz, who moved from Rosario Central in Argentina to north London in a £13m transfer in the summer of 2023, joining at the same time as centre-back Micky van de Ven arrived from Wolfsburg.

However, he only made a total of eight first-team appearances for Spurs across all competitions during that period, the last of which came back in December 2023.

He scored his sole Tottenham goal that month under Ange Postecoglou, coming off the bench to net in a 4-2 defeat away at Brighton in the Premier League.

Veliz - whose six-year contract was due to run until 2029 - was loaned to LaLiga club Sevilla the following month and later spent the entire 2024/25 campaign at Espanyol, before last season he was sent for a third loan spell back at first club Rosario Central, registering six goals in 24 appearances.

Tottenham said in a statement confirming Veliz’s imminent permanent departure: “We wish him well for the future.”

It has been a hectic start to the summer for Spurs, who are wasting no time in reshaping their squad for a first full season under head coach Roberto De Zerbi, having endured back-to-back 17th-place finishes and only escaped relegation from the Premier League on the final day last term.

Manchester United 'make huge offer' to beat Tottenham to Mateus Fernandes signing

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Man Utd 'make huge offer' to beat Tottenham to Fernandes signing - London Evening Standard
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Spurs were said to be leading the race for the West Ham star, but ‘in the last hours’ that may have changed

Your matchday briefing on Tottenham, featuring team news and expert analysis from Sam Tabuteau

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Manchester United have reportedly made a significant move to beat Tottenham to the signing of Mateus Fernandes.

The Portuguese star is set to leave West Ham this summer following the club’s relegation into the Championship.

LIVE BLOG: All the latest transfer news and rumours

The Hammers accept they cannot keep the 21-year-old, and are said to be demanding more than double the £38million they paid Southampton for him 12 months ago.

In the last few hours, there have been new contacts with the player; the Red Devils are willing to improve their contractual offer to convince him to sign.

Man Utd have made Fernandes a key summer target as manager Michael Carrick looks to revamp his midfield options.

Ederson is set to arrive from Atalanta, and United want to partner him in midfield with Fernandes.

Tottenham are also firmly in the race for the West Ham star’s signature. Arsenal were said to also be monitoring the Portuguese midfielder, but interest is not expected to advance.

Spurs were said to have in recent days moved ahead of Man Utd in the race, as they are prepared to offer the player higher wages and offer West Ham more money.

Mateus Fernandes

London Standard

The north London side are embarking on a huge summer rebuild, and want to partner Fernandes with Sandro Tonali in midfield.

But the balance of the transfer saga reportedly changed on Saturday morning.

According to Italian football journalist Matteo Moretto, Man Utd have stepped up their effort to sign Fernandes.

There have been fresh talks with the player, with United signalling that they are willing to improve their contract offer in a bit to convince him to sign.

Talks with West Ham will then follow.

Spurs are said to remain firmly in the race, with The Times reporting on Friday that they are confident of agreeing personal terms with both Fernandes and Tonali.

But Man Utd are pushing hard to move ahead of Spurs and land the Portugal star.

United had made Tonali a key summer target, but it is Spurs who are said to be the frontrunners to sign one of the Premier League’s most impressive midfielders.

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