Tottenham are prepared to beat Manchester United on finances for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes – a signing the former United striker Teddy Sheringham has urged his old club to abandon.
The 21-year-old Portuguese international, who joined West Ham from Southampton for £38m last summer, is expected to leave the relegated club as they need to raise funds. West Ham are demanding around £85m for Fernandes, according to The Times, and Tottenham have entered the race alongside Manchester United, who have reportedly agreed personal terms with the player.
“Tottenham ready to outbid Man Utd for £85m Fernandes; Sheringham warns United against signing.”
But Sheringham, speaking to ComeOn, delivered a withering verdict: “I wasn’t so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham last season. A lot of West Ham fans think he’ll go on to bigger and better things but the jury’s still out for me on Fernandes. Manchester United need top players. They’ve already got enough decent players.”
The former England striker compared the situation to missed opportunities for Harry Kane and Declan Rice. “Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn’t have let that happen,” he said. “Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example.”
Tottenham, managed by Roberto De Zerbi, are also pushing to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle, despite the huge fee demanded for the Italy international. Their pursuit of Fernandes has been strengthened by the potential sale of Lucas Bergvall, who has requested to leave the club this summer.
United, meanwhile, are expected to bolster their midfield after Casemiro’s exit, with Manuel Ugarte available for transfer. Atalanta’s Ederson is set to complete a £38m move to Michael Carrick’s squad after the World Cup, while Adam Wharton, Carlos Baleba, Alex Scott and Aurelien Tchouameni remain on their list of targets.
Tottenham are also among clubs tracking West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville, who has scored twice for the Netherlands at the World Cup. Chelsea and United are monitoring Summerville, while Aston Villa, Chelsea and Everton have expressed interest in Jarrod Bowen – though West Ham are desperate to keep their captain.
In other moves, Chelsea are considering a deal for Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra, a major target for Inter. The Serie A champions have been pushing to complete a £38.8m deal for the 21-year-old but face competition from Chelsea and one other Premier League side. The Blues are also tracking Como’s Jacobo Ramón and Crystal Palace’s Maxence Lacroix as they seek to bolster Xabi Alonso’s defence.
Whether Sheringham’s warning will deter United – or prompt Tottenham to accelerate their bid – remains to be seen.