Tottenham close to snatching Mateus Fernandes from under Manchester United's nose

Tottenham are on the verge of agreeing personal terms with West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto, in a significant blow to Manchester United who had been widely regarded as the frontrunners for the 21-year-old.

Fernandes impressed throughout his debut season at the London Stadium, drawing reported interest from United, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. West Ham have held firm on an £80 million asking price, but it is Spurs who have moved most decisively, with discussions understood to have advanced positively in recent days. Moretto states the north London club are now ‘very close’ to striking a deal, though formal negotiations with West Ham are yet to begin.

The development represents a notable coup for Tottenham, who have been active in reshaping their squad this summer after back-to-back 17th-place Premier League finishes. The club have already added Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, as well as Jan Paul van Hecke for £52 million. Fernandes would be their most high-profile addition yet.

For United, the pursuit of midfield reinforcements continues under manager Michael Carrick. The club have already secured Ederson from Atalanta, and Carrick is expected to push for at least one further central midfield signing to support their Champions League campaign. Elliot Anderson remains a target, though Manchester City are currently viewed as the more likely destination for the Newcastle man.

United’s summer has been shaped as much by departures as arrivals. Rasmus Hojlund has joined Napoli on a permanent basis, while Manuel Ugarte is expected to follow Casemiro out of Old Trafford. The future of Marcus Rashford also remains unresolved, with a permanent move to Barcelona looking increasingly unlikely following the Catalan club’s signing of Anthony Gordon.

In attack, United have been linked with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, the latter expected to leave West Ham ahead of the 2026-27 season. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is also understood to be of interest, while strengthening at left-back remains a priority.