Tottenham's move for Mateus Fernandes threatens to derail United's cut-price transfer plan

Manchester United’s strategy to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes on favourable terms is under threat after Tottenham Hotspur emerged as serious rivals for the 21-year-old’s signature, potentially handing the selling club the bidding war it needs.

United have spent several weeks pursuing Fernandes but have been reluctant to meet West Ham’s £80 million valuation, instead calculating that the east London club’s urgent need to raise funds before June 30 would force a lower settlement. West Ham posted a £104 million loss last year, and their financial report made clear that player sales were necessary regardless of their relegation to the Championship — a drop that only sharpens the pressure.

Tottenham, operating aggressively in the window under new head coach Roberto De Zerbi, are also reported to be pursuing Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali alongside Fernandes. The scenario carries echoes of last summer, when Spurs entered the race for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo — a player United had been tracking for weeks. On that occasion, Mbeumo made clear he wanted Old Trafford over a reunion with Thomas Frank, and the move to United was completed. Whether Fernandes holds a similar preference remains unclear.

United’s position is arguably stronger on paper. Having finished third in the Premier League and secured a return to the Champions League, they can offer European football that Spurs, who finished in mid-table, cannot. But that advantage counts for little if United cannot first get a bid accepted, and the club have already withdrawn from a move for Elliot Anderson after his price climbed beyond what they were willing to pay.

If Tottenham’s interest hardens into a formal offer, West Ham gain exactly the leverage United were hoping to deny them. A competitive auction would likely push the fee closer to — or beyond — the £80 million valuation United have so far resisted.

United are still considered the frontrunners for Fernandes, and a deal before the end of June remains possible. But their ability to close it on their own terms now depends heavily on whether Tottenham’s pursuit is genuine and how quickly events move in the coming weeks. West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville is also understood to be on United’s radar this summer.