Sports Mole

Tottenham Hotspur have won the race to sign Mateus Fernandes for £85m, with Manchester United unwilling to match the offer, the latest report has claimed.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi managed to save the club from Premier League relegation last season, and he will be determined to help the team avoid another campaign in which they battle against the drop.

The Italian has already enjoyed a strong summer window, bringing defenders Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke to London.

Tottenham have consistently been linked with midfield reinforcements too, with West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes said to be of interest.

David Ornstein has claimed in The Athletic that Spurs have agreed a deal worth a guaranteed £85m with West Ham for Fernandes, with Man United unwilling to part with such a significant sum.

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Mateus Fernandes to Spurs: How will Roberto De Zerbi use midfielder?

Fernandes is a rounded midfield talent, capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch, so perhaps his best use would be in a double pivot.

When De Zerbi was last in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, he deployed Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo together in midfield frequently, and the duo formed arguably the best partnership in the division.

The Spurs boss could start Fernandes in Mac Allister's role given he is adept in advanced areas, though that would still leave Tottenham needing someone capable of operating in deeper zones.

Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali has often been linked with a move to Spurs, and his athleticism and physicality would prove to be complementary skillsets next to Fernandes.

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Tottenham to challenge for the Champions League?

The number one priority for Spurs next term must be to secure European football, but if they manage to completely transform their midfield, they may be in a position to challenge for the top flight's Champions League spots.

De Zerbi's possession-based system relies on consistent progression from deep, and while Tonali is rudimentary on the ball, the likes of Fernandes, Van Hecke and Senesi are strong when asked to play out from the back.

Tonali's ability to screen the defence would then help Spurs pen opponents in, and that would allow attackers to spend more time in the final third.

More additions may be needed, but with so much uncertainty regarding Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and even Manchester United, there is scope for Tottenham to finish in the top five next term.

Tottenham Hotspur are allegedly just two steps away from sealing the signing of Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali.

Despite Spurs only narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League in 2025-26, Roberto De Zerbi is leading a revolution at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Martin Dubravka, Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke have all been signed over the past month.

However, speculation persists that a far bigger transfer could materialise, with Tonali being targeted by the North Londoners.

According to TEAMtalk, there is the increasing likelihood of Tonali leaving St James' Park for the capital.

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What do Spurs need to do to sign Tonali?

The report alleges that personal terms have already been agreed between Tonali and Spurs.

Spurs are said to have indicated a willingness to meet Newcastle's valuation, said to be closer to £100m courtesy of what Manchester City are paying for Elliot Anderson.

If a proposal worth a fee close to that value can be formally agreed and Tonali passes a subsequent medical, the Italy international should become a Spurs player.

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Why does Tonali want to move to Spurs?

While the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United have previously been linked with a move for Tonali, it is seemingly Spurs who will win the race.

Tonali is reportedly eager to play under De Zerbi. Both are former players of Brescia, albeit not at the same time.

Meanwhile, the 26-year-old is said to want to live in London, giving Spurs the edge over Man United.

Although Newcastle do not want to sell Tonali, he has just two years left on his contract and has no intention of penning a renewal.

A total of 10 goals and 10 assists have come from 110 appearances during his time in the North-East.

Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly made a bold decision on highly-rated midfielder Archie Gray as Roberto De Zerbi looks to oversee a major squad overhaul this summer.

Gray joined Spurs from Leeds United in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be around £40m and has made just over 80 appearances for the club.

The 20-year-old is a versatile midfielder who has featured in multiple positions under different Tottenham managers, including at centre-back.

Tottenham make Archie Gray transfer decision

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According to a report from TeamTalk, Tottenham are not considering selling Gray, with his future simply not up for discussion.

Gray is viewed as an integral part of De Zerbi's long-term plans, and the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss has personally made it clear how highly he rates the 20-year-old.

The report adds that the former Leeds academy graduate has been reassured of his importance to the club and remains fully committed to his future in North London.

De Zerbi is reportedly impressed by Gray's versatility and believes the youngster can become one of the most influential players in his squad over the coming years.

Newcastle United, Everton and Nottingham Forest have all been credited with an interest in Gray in recent months, but Tottenham's stance remains unequivocal.

Tottenham transfer plans: Spurs want new midfielders

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Spurs are looking to revamp their midfield under De Zerbi and could yet bring in as many as three new midfielders before the transfer window closes.

The North London club are reportedly working on a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, who is also said to be keen on the move.

The Magpies have reportedly rejected two offers for the Italy international and are unwilling to consider a sale unless they receive around £100m.

Liverpool have reportedly joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign FC Koln attacker Said El Mala this summer.

The Reds continue to be heavily linked with RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande, who is currently representing Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.

Liverpool are reportedly willing to pay around £86m for the exciting attacker, but the Bundesliga club could demand closer to £112m before considering a sale.

Diomande himself has distanced himself from transfer speculations on his future, insisting that his full focus remains on the World Cup.

Liverpool transfer plans: Said El Mala emerges as Diomande alternative?

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Earlier this month, reports emerged that Liverpool retain a strong interest in El Mala and have kept the highly-rated forward firmly on their shortlist.

The 19-year-old enjoyed an outstanding 2025-26 campaign, scoring 13 goals and providing four assists in 34 appearances, attracting interest from several clubs.

According to German outlet FussballDaten, the Reds have registered a strong interest in signing El Mala, who is valued at €50m (£43m).

Liverpool have already secured the signing of Victor Munoz, but Andoni Iraola is keen to add further attacking reinforcements, and El Mala could emerge as a serious alternative should a move for Diomande fail to materialise.

The German attacker is capable of playing on either wing or as an attacking midfielder, and his technical quality and explosive pace could make him an excellent fit for the Premier League.

Liverpool face competition from Tottenham Hotspur for Said El Mala

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The Reds are not alone in the race, with reports claiming that Tottenham and Newcastle United are also interested in the Germany youth international.

Spurs are reportedly leading the chase, but Liverpool could hold an advantage by offering Champions League football.

The Merseyside club have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain attacker Bradley Barcola, but the recurring links with El Mala suggest their interest in the youngster is genuine.

Mateus Fernandes would be more suited to Manchester United than Tottenham Hotspur, and the Red Devils should not lose sight of the midfielder, a former West Ham United man has exclusively told Sports Mole.

Following the Irons' relegation from the top flight, Fernandes is expected to make a high-profile move away from the London Stadium, and Man United were formerly seen as the leading contenders for an £80m deal.

However, Tottenham have moved ahead of Man United in recent days and apparently have an 'extraordinary' plan to beat Michael Carrick's side to the signing of the Portugal international.

Fernandes is reportedly open to joining both Spurs and Man United, though, and neither club has agreed a fee with West Ham yet, meaning that the battle is very much on.

Now, former West Ham attacker Robert Snodgrass has had his say, telling Sports Mole that Fernandes would be an invaluable addition to the Red Devils' ranks ahead of Casemiro's official departure.

Mateus Fernandes "most suited" to Man United, not Tottenham

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"I believe Man Utd would be the club he is most suited too," Snodgrass said. "With Casemiro leaving, he is a direct replacement there where he can look to fit in to that position. Whether he is first choice or not, he can be a good player for Man Utd to have with so many games to play.

"The fee would need to be right from West Ham’s perspective, but with Premier League football on the table, the player would most likely want to continue to play in the Premier League."

Man United confirmed earlier this year that Casemiro would be leaving as a free agent in June following the expiry of his contract, and the Brazilian is expected to sign for Lionel Messi's Inter Miami.

The Red Devils are already on the verge of signing Atalanta BC lynchpin Ederson, but another big-money midfielder is expected to arrive, especially in the wake of Manuel Ugarte's serious injury.

The Uruguay international was stretchered off in Friday's 1-0 World Cup defeat to Spain, and there are fears that his problem could scupper his chances of an exit from Old Trafford this summer.

How does Mateus Fernandes compare to Casemiro?

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Formerly a divisive figure among Man United fans, Casemiro is leaving on a high following a stellar 2025-26 season, in which he played a key role in the Red Devils' return to the Champions League.

The Brazilian played two fewer games and 436 fewer minutes than Fernandes in the Premier League last season, but he managed nine goals compared to the Portuguese's three, boasting a conversion rate of 17.3% to Fernandes's 10.7%.

However, Fernandes claimed four assists to Casemiro's two and registered a superior pass accuracy of 87.4% to the South American's 81.3%, although the latter did attempt more forward passes and Fernandes more backwards passes.

The West Ham man's duelling statistics standout, though, as he completed 59.2% of his take-ons compared to just 37.5% for Casemiro, while winning 56.3% of his ground duels to Casemiro's 53.5%.

The latter was stronger in the air, winning 50.9% of his aerial battles to Fernandes's 48.7%, but the Portuguese would evidently bring a different skillset to Old Trafford.

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has reportedly emerged as a target for Tottenham Hotspur, although the England international has different plans for his future.

The 28-year-old is currently representing England at the 2026 World Cup, and his future at Old Trafford is expected to be resolved after the tournament.

Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 appearances to help the Catalan giants win the La Liga title.

Despite his impressive performances, Barcelona opted against activating their £26m option to sign him permanently, resulting in his return to his parent club.

The Blaugrana instead spent £69m to sign Rashford's England teammate Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United, and are now only interested in another loan move.

Marcus Rashford preference amid Tottenham transfer link

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Rashford has a contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and a £40m release clause that applies to every club except Manchester City and Liverpool.

Tottenham have reportedly expressed an interest in signing the England forward, but are unwilling to trigger his release clause.

According to the i paper, Rashford has no desire to join another Premier League club, a stance that will come as a blow to the North London side.

Marcus Rashford future: What happens next?

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With no club currently willing to meet Rashford's valuation, the Red Devils could lower their asking price to around £25m, which may represent the best fee they can realistically expect.

Barcelona are continuing to monitor Rashford's situation and could return with another loan proposal if no club manages to agree a permanent deal.

Man Utd have no intention of sanctioning another temporary departure, preferring instead to sell the 28-year-old outright to generate funds for new signings.

Manchester United have reportedly stepped up their interest in signing West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes this summer.

The 21-year-old joined the Hammers from Southampton last summer, but he could be on the move again following the club's relegation to the Championship.

Fernandes impressed during the 2025-26 campaign, registering three goals and four assists in the Premier League, and both Man Utd and Tottenham Hotspur are keen to sign him.

Man Utd make concrete approach to sign Mateus Fernandes

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It was reported earlier this month that Fernandes has opened the door to moves to both Manchester United and Tottenham, leaving it up to the two clubs to strike a deal with West Ham.

The Hammers have placed an £80m valuation on the midfielder, but Spurs have reportedly devised an extraordinary plan by offering around £75m while significantly increasing the player's wages to tempt him to North London.

According to journalist Matteo Moretto, the Red Devils are back in the race for the former Southampton midfielder and have now made direct contact with West Ham.

On top of that, the Red Devils have approached the player's camp in the "last few hours" and are prepared to improve their contractual offer in an attempt to win the race for his signature.

Tottenham have been pushing hard to sign the Portugal international, and it remains to be seen whether the two Premier League clubs will become embroiled in a transfer tug of war.

Man Utd and Tottenham: Other midfield targets

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Man Utd are keen to strengthen their midfield and have already secured an agreement for Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson.

Michael Carrick is still looking to add one more midfielder, with Manchester United recently linked with a move for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Spurs, meanwhile, are reportedly keen to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United alongside Fernandes, with Roberto De Zerbi said to want both players.

West Ham are open to selling Fernandes this summer, but only if an interested club meets their asking price.

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the sale of striker Alejo Veliz to Brazilian outfit Bahia.

The 22-year-old joined the Lilywhites in the summer of 2023 - the same year Harry Kane departed - but only made a fleeting impression under Ange Postecoglou.

Veliz made eight Premier League appearances in his first half-season, scoring once in a 4-2 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion, before being loaned out to Sevilla for the second half of the campaign.

The striker has since represented Espanyol and Rosario Central - the club who sold him to Tottenham for £12.9m in 2023 - scoring six goals in 24 appearances in the 2026 season.

Deemed to have no future in North London - where his contract expires in 2029 - Veliz will now make the permanent switch to Bahia, as confirmed by Tottenham on Friday following reports in February.

Tottenham confirm Alejo Veliz sale to Bahia

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"We have reached agreement with Bahia for the transfer of Alejo Veliz, who will join the Brazilian club on 1 July," Spurs said in a statement. "Alejo is now set to move to the Brazilian top flight on a permanent basis – we wish him well for the future."

Tottenham are understood to have made a small loss of €6m (£5.2m) on Veliz, as Bahia have reportedly paid €9m (£7.8m) to bring him back to South America permanently.

The 22-year-old leaves Tottenham having failed to make a single senior start for the club, as all eight of his Premier League appearances in 2023-24 came as a substitute.

Veliz has become Tottenham's first permanent sale of the summer window, and the second senior player to depart after Yves Bissouma was released at the end of his contract.

Which other Tottenham players could leave this summer?

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Tottenham's incomings have been the talk of the town so far this summer, as Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke have all arrived in North London.

More are expected to follow, as Spurs are pushing to sign both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, as well as another Manchester City player who Roberto De Zerbi 'loves'.

Major outgoings may be few and far between, but Tottenham could give the green light to Guglielmo Vicario's exit, having agreed a new long-term contract with Antonin Kinsky.

Strikers Richarlison and Dane Scarlett could also find themselves in the shop window, as both players are about to enter the final 12 months of their contracts.

Tottenham kick off their pre-season against MK Dons on July 22, before opening the new Premier League season against Brentford a month later.

Tottenham have reportedly reached a total agreement with goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky over a new contract.

Kinsky joined Spurs from Slavia Prague in the January transfer window of 2025 for a fee of £12.5m and has made 20 appearances across all competitions.

Last season, Kinsky started only twice under former head coach Thomas Frank in the League Cup before being handed a surprise start against Atletico Madrid by Frank's successor, Igor Tudor.

The Czech goalkeeper repeatedly lost his footing, and after Spurs fell 3-0 behind, he was substituted after just 17 minutes, with Guglielmo Vicario replacing him.

However, when Roberto De Zerbi took charge, Vicario was sidelined after undergoing hernia surgery, allowing Kinsky to seize his opportunity with a series of impressive performances.

Antonin Kinsky future: Tottenham reach total agreement?

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According to The Athletic, Spurs have secured Kinsky's long-term future with an improved contract that reflects his new status as the club's first-choice goalkeeper.

The 23-year-old still had five years remaining on the deal he signed after arriving from Slavia Prague, but Tottenham have moved quickly to reward his progress with fresh terms.

The report claims that the new agreement will keep the Czech goalkeeper at the club for the next five years, with the option of a further 12 months.

Meanwhile, Spurs have signed experienced goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer this summer, a move that further casts doubt over Vicario's future.

Tottenham eyeing massive summer window

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After guiding Spurs to Premier League safety, De Zerbi is looking to reshape the squad in his own image, with the club prepared to back him in the transfer market.

Tottenham have already secured agreements for Andrew Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke, and are now looking to strengthen their midfield.

Tottenham Hotspur are eyeing a third Manchester City player as Roberto De Zerbi looks to continue reshaping his squad this summer, with striker Omar Marmoush the latest name in the frame.

Spurs had already been linked with goalkeeper James Trafford and winger Savinho from the Citizens' ranks, with a new goalkeeper a clear priority and the Brazilian winger tracked since last summer.

The north London club have been one of the most active sides in the window so far, snapping up Martin Dubravka, Marcos Senesi, Andrew Robertson on a free and Jean Paul van Hecke for £51m, while also competing for the signatures of Sandro Tonali, Mateus Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.

De Zerbi 'loves' Marmoush profile as Spurs plot move

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Italian journalist Nicolo Schira has revealed that Tottenham Hotspur have now registered interest in signing Marmoush from Manchester City.

The 27-year-old Egyptian international is reportedly open to leaving the Etihad this summer in search of regular game time, facing fierce competition for a starting role in the Citizens' front line — not least from Erling Haaland at centre-forward.

Manchester City have reportedly placed a £53m valuation on the former Eintracht Frankfurt gem, and while Barcelona have been linked as a potential alternative to Julian Alvarez, no other firm suitors have publicly emerged.

That leaves the door open for Tottenham Hotspur. According to the same source, De Zerbi is a genuine admirer of the Egyptian international's profile, and that approval from the manager is understood to have prompted the club to move quickly. Spurs are expected to make a concrete approach in the coming days.