Manchester United's summer transfer window is turning into a high-stakes tug-of-war, with Tottenham Hotspur prepared to outmuscle them for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes – even as the club opens talks to sign World Cup winner Julian Alvarez.
Fernandes, a Portugal international valued at £80 million by the relegated Hammers, has emerged as a key target for manager Michael Carrick. But according to The Sun, Spurs are “prepared to offer more” than United in wages, despite finishing 17th last season under Roberto De Zerbi. United, who finished third and return to the Champions League, can offer Fernandes European football – a card Tottenham cannot play.
“Man Utd face Tottenham competition for £80m Fernandes as they begin talks for Alvarez.”
The 23-year-old joined West Ham for £38m last year, but Southampton inserted a 15 per cent sell-on clause, meaning they stand to profit from any deal. Fernandes scored three goals and assisted four in 36 league games but could not prevent relegation.
United are already closing a deal for Atalanta's Ederson, a 26-year-old Brazilian midfielder, as they prepare to replace the departing Casemiro. But more recruits are expected, and the club have also been linked with Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson and Newcastle's Sandro Tonali.
Meanwhile, the Evening Standard reports that Manchester United have begun talks to sign Julian Alvarez, with Arsenal holding an advantage in the race for the forward. No further details were provided in the source material, but the development adds another layer to United's ambitious rebuild.
In the opposite direction, goalkeeper Andre Onana is edging closer to a return to Turkish side Trabzonspor. The 30-year-old, who joined from Inter Milan in 2023, spent last season on loan at the club, making 33 appearances and winning the Turkish Cup. According to Turkish outlet A Spor, Onana has “accepted all of Trabzonspor's financial demands” and is set to move back on another loan after losing his place to Senne Lammens.
With Casemiro out, Onana likely gone, and fresh faces needed in midfield and attack, Carrick faces a decisive window – but Tottenham's deep pockets and Arsenal's pull could yet frustrate United's plans.