Mateus Fernandes transfer twist with agreement ‘very close’ for Man United target

Manchester United had been viewed as frontrunners for Mateus Fernandes, but it now appears a Premier League rival has moved ahead in the race

Manchester United may be set to miss out on Mateus Fernandes, with Tottenham reportedly close to agreeing personal terms with the midfielder. The West Ham United star impressed in his first season at the London Stadium and attracted interest from United, Arsenal, Paris Saint‑Germain and Real Madrid.

United had been considered favourites for the 21‐year‐old, with West Ham reportedly standing firm on an £80million price tag. However, Tottenham emerged as serious contenders this week and discussions are understood to have advanced positively.

Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claims that Spurs are now ‘very close’ to striking a deal with Fernandes, who is believed to be receptive to the move. That said, official talks with West Ham have not yet commenced.

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United, Arsenal and Spurs are all in the market for a midfielder this summer, and Michael Carrick has already secured Ederson after United agreed a deal with Atalanta for the Brazil international.

Carrick is expected to press ahead in his search for another midfield addition to strengthen competition and allow rotation during their Champions League campaign. Elliot Anderson remains a target, but Manchester City is viewed as his most likely destination.

Tottenham have been active in their summer rebuild, already bringing in Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi on free transfers, along with Jan Paul van Hecke for £52m. Landing Fernandes would represent another notable achievement for the north Londoners, with the club determined to reshape their squad following last season’s calamitous Premier League campaign.

Spurs have suffered consecutive seasons to forget, finishing 17th on both occasions and narrowly avoiding a serious relegation battle last term.

At Old Trafford, United have also been linked with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville, who is expected to leave London Stadium ahead of the 2026/27 season. Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye is viewed as another attacking option of interest, while left‑back remains an area the club are looking to strengthen.

Departures are also expected, with Rasmus Hojlund already joining Napoli on a permanent deal and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow Casemiro out of the club as another midfielder set to leave. The future of Marcus Rashford remains a major talking point, with his chances of securing a permanent move to Barcelona thinning by the day following the signing of Anthony Gordon.