Manchester United have made a huge offer for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, threatening to hijack Tottenham's long-running pursuit of the 21-year-old Portugal international.
Tottenham had accelerated their interest in Fernandes last week after a bid for Newcastle's Sandro Tonali was rejected, with Spurs optimistic an agreement could be reached. West Ham value Fernandes at around £80m, and the midfielder has also been linked with Paris St-Germain. But in the last hours, United have moved to tempt West Ham with a substantially bigger bid, according to reports.
“Manchester United have made a huge offer for West Ham's £80m-rated Mateus Fernandes, challenging Tottenham's pursuit.”
Spurs had been leading the race for Fernandes, having already made a fast start to the summer transfer window with four signings. On Wednesday, they agreed a deal for goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer from Burnley, following the arrivals of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke. But the sudden intervention of Manchester United has thrown negotiations into doubt.
Roberto de Zerbi, the Tottenham head coach, has long admired his compatriot Tonali, but Spurs' £80m offer was rejected by Newcastle, with the Italy international having four years left on his contract after signing a new deal following his 10-month ban for betting breaches. That rejection prompted Spurs to step up their interest in Fernandes, but they now face stiff competition from Old Trafford.
Talks between West Ham and Tottenham are ongoing, but sources say United's offer has complicated matters. The outcome remains uncertain with the transfer window still in full swing.