Tottenham have accelerated their interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes after having an £80m bid for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United. The 21-year-old Portugal international is now viewed as a primary target, with talks ongoing and progressing positively, according to sources. Spurs are optimistic an agreement can be reached, though West Ham are understood to want around £80m for the midfielder. Fernandes has also been linked with Manchester United and Paris St-Germain.
Last week, Tottenham's offer for Tonali, worth about £80m, was turned down by Newcastle. Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is a long-time admirer of his compatriot and the club are exploring the finances of a potential deal for the 26-year-old. However, Tonali has four years left on his contract after signing a new deal to repay the faith Newcastle showed during his 10-month ban for breaching the Football Association's betting rules.
“Tottenham target West Ham's £80m-rated Fernandes after failed Tonali bid; Spurs have signed four players already.”
Tottenham have made a fast start in the transfer market this summer, having already signed 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 is another defensive reinforcement following the signings of Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson – also on free transfers from Bournemouth and Liverpool – and Netherlands defender Jan Paul van Hecke, who cost £52m from Brighton.
Meanwhile, West Ham are facing uncertainty over star players Jarrod Bowen and Fernandes, with big-name stars heading for the exit door. The club have identified a cut-price replacement as they prepare for potential departures.