Tottenham have accelerated their interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes after having an £80m bid for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United last week. The 21-year-old Portugal international is valued at around £80m by West Ham, who are also aware of interest from Manchester United and Paris St-Germain. According to sources, talks are ongoing and progressing positively, with Spurs optimistic an agreement can be reached.
The move comes after Tottenham's bid worth about £80m for Italy international Tonali was turned down. Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is a long-time admirer of his compatriot, who has four years left on his contract after signing a new deal to repay the faith Newcastle showed him during his 10-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
“Tottenham accelerate pursuit of West Ham's Mateus Fernandes after £80m Tonali bid rejected, with talks progressing positively.”
Despite that setback, Tottenham have made a fast start in the transfer market this summer, already signing four players. Earlier on Wednesday, they agreed a deal to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka on a free transfer once his contract with Burnley expires on 1 July. The 37-year-old Slovakian international joins defensive reinforcements Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson – both free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool – and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who cost £52m from Brighton.
Fernandes is viewed as a primary target as Tottenham continue their midfield rebuild, with talks ongoing and the club optimistic of reaching an agreement with West Ham.