Tottenham's higher wage offer threatens to derail Manchester United's pursuit of Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United’s push to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes faces a significant obstacle, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly willing to outbid them on wages for the £80 million-rated Portugal international.

According to The Sun, Spurs — who finished 17th in the Premier League last season under Roberto De Zerbi — are “prepared to offer more” than United in terms of salary as they target marquee signings this summer. United, who return to the Champions League next season after finishing third, retain the advantage of European football, but whether that is enough to offset Tottenham’s financial offer remains unclear.

Fernandes, 22, joined West Ham from Southampton last year in a £38m deal, with Southampton retaining a 15 per cent sell-on clause from that sale. He was unable to prevent the Hammers from being relegated, contributing three goals and four assists across 36 league appearances.

United manager Michael Carrick is targeting midfield reinforcements this summer, with Fernandes one of several names under consideration alongside Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali. Brazilian midfielder Ederson is already set to arrive from Atalanta after United struck an early agreement for the 26-year-old.

Elsewhere, United goalkeeper Andre Onana appears to be edging closer to a second loan spell at Trabzonspor. Turkish outlet A Spor reports that the 30-year-old Cameroon international has “accepted all of Trabzonspor’s financial demands” ahead of a return to the club where he spent last season. Onana, who joined United from Inter Milan in 2023, lost his first-choice status at Old Trafford to new signing Senne Lammens and made 33 appearances for Trabzonspor, winning the Turkish Cup during his loan stint.