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

Manchester United’s pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has hit a stumbling block, with Tottenham Hotspur reportedly prepared to outbid them on wages for the £80m-rated Portuguese international.

According to The Sun, Spurs — who finished 17th in the Premier League last season — are willing to offer Fernandes a more lucrative salary package than United. The 25-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after midfielders in England following a debut campaign in the top flight that yielded three goals and four assists across 36 league games, though he could not prevent West Ham from being relegated.

United do hold one significant advantage over their rivals: a place in next season’s Champions League. Manager Michael Carrick is looking to strengthen his midfield after the departure of Casemiro, and Fernandes is among several targets being considered alongside Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

Any deal for Fernandes would also trigger a sell-on clause in favour of Southampton, who are entitled to 15 per cent of the transfer fee after selling him to West Ham for £38m last year — meaning the Hammers would net significantly less than the full asking price.

Elsewhere, United have made early progress on another midfield signing, with Brazilian Ederson of Atalanta understood to be close to joining the club. The 26-year-old has reportedly been the subject of an agreement in principle, and his arrival would go some way to addressing the gap left by Casemiro’s exit.

In goal, Andre Onana appears to be moving towards a second consecutive loan spell away from Old Trafford. The 30-year-old Cameroon international, who joined from Inter Milan in 2023, spent last season at Trabzonspor and is set to return to the Turkish club on similar terms, with the club covering his wages and paying United a loan fee. Onana lost his starting berth to new signing Senne Lammens and made 33 appearances during his time in Turkey.