Tottenham lead race to sign Mateus Fernandes in £85m deal as United step back

Tottenham Hotspur have moved to the front of the queue for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, holding positive talks with the relegated club over a prospective £85m deal as Manchester United weigh whether to pursue the 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder any further.

West Ham, having dropped out of the Premier League at the end of last season, are insisting on a significant proportion of any agreed fee paid up front. Spurs have responded with a higher overall package than United’s offer, and their wage proposal to Fernandes is also more attractive — a combination that has left the player very keen on a move to north London.

New Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is understood to be a significant factor in the pursuit. The Italian is personally a huge admirer of Fernandes and sees the midfielder as well-suited to the style of play he intends to implement at Spurs.

Tottenham are operating with a transfer budget of well over £200m this summer as the club look to give De Zerbi the tools to compete at the top of the Premier League from the outset of his tenure.

Manchester United retain an interest in Fernandes but are reported to be reluctant to enter a bidding war, and may redirect their attention to alternative targets if Spurs continue to press their advantage.