Mateus Fernandes has reportedly expressed a clear desire to move to Tottenham Hotspur, despite having already agreed personal terms with Manchester United. The 21-year-old midfielder is set to leave West Ham United following the club's relegation from the Premier League.
Fernandes' preference shocks Manchester United
According to Spanish outlet Diario AS, Fernandes believes he has a better chance of regular playing time at Tottenham, which would aid his progression. This development comes as a blow to Manchester United, who thought they had secured the player's signature after agreeing personal terms.
Fernandes was signed by West Ham from Southampton last summer in a deal worth £38 million, plus £4 million in add-ons. He impressed in his debut season with the Hammers, attracting interest from several top clubs including Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Tottenham.
Arsenal and Real Madrid withdraw
Arsenal have already pulled out of the race for Fernandes and turned their attention to other targets, such as Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers. Real Madrid have also ruled out a move, focusing instead on Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, according to Diario AS.
This leaves Tottenham and Manchester United as the main contenders for Fernandes, with the player's preference now tipping the scales in Spurs' favor.
Tottenham in talks with West Ham
Transfer journalist Nicolo Schira reports that Tottenham are now in talks with West Ham as they look to overtake United and secure a statement signing for manager Roberto De Zerbi's midfield. West Ham are holding out for a fee of around £80 million for Fernandes, with Spurs reportedly willing to pay more than United.
Speaking to The United Stand, Daily Mail journalist Mike Keegan said: "What I've heard relatively recently is Spurs have come in, and Spurs are surprising people, not just at United, across the Premier League. The way it was described to me, they've gone really aggressive with the amount of money that they're willing to spend. My information is that Spurs are already at the higher end of what United would be happy to pay for him. There is a belief that he still wants to come and play for United, but it's not just players, there's agents involved, it tends to be that the player goes to whoever's offering them the most money."
Tottenham also pursuing Sandro Tonali
Alongside their interest in Fernandes, Tottenham are exploring a deal for Sandro Tonali but saw their first bid of £75 million rejected by Newcastle United. This indicates Spurs are actively strengthening their midfield options this summer.
Michael Owen urges United to land Fernandes
Speaking exclusively to Metro, former Manchester United striker Michael Owen urged the club to do everything possible to sign Fernandes. "Personally, if I was Michael Carrick, if I were Manchester United, I'd be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he's very good. I think he's exactly what they need. I watched him a lot. I think he's a very good pick. He's reasonably young which is another massive tick. If you're going to be spending 80 to 100 million then you don't want to be buying someone that's in their late 20s. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there."
