Matheus Fernandes is at the center of a transfer tug-of-war between Manchester United and Tottenham. Both teams hope to beat the Red Devils with an offer
Matheus Fernandes has a number of clubs chasing him (Image: West Ham United FC/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)
Tottenham are confident of beating Manchester United in the race to sign Matheus Fernandes with a deal worth up to £80m. Fernandes, 21, is a top target for both clubs, with West Ham prepared to sell him following their relegation to the Premier League.
Arsenal and Real Madrid were previously keen on the midfielder, but that interest has now waned. Currently, Tottenham appear to be the frontrunners as they have indicated they are willing to offer a higher transfer fee.
The Times reports that Spurs are keen to knock United out of their league, but Tottenham bosses believe they could walk off the negotiating table if the price gets too high. Southampton will receive 15% of the transfer fee thanks to a sell-on clause included in Fernandes’ contract when he moved to West Ham for £38m last summer.
Spurs are on the offensive in the transfer window after avoiding relegation on the final day at the expense of West Ham. Roberto de Zerbi’s side have already signed the defensive trio of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, and on Wednesday announced the arrival of goalkeeper Martin Dubravka.
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Despite West Ham’s struggles, Fernandes put in a solid performance. However, United do not want to be drawn into a bidding war, similar to Nottingham Forest’s position with Elliott Anderson.
Forest manager has already rejected two offers from Manchester City and is reportedly demanding a record £130m for the player. But if United are reluctant to venture outside, they risk leaving Michael Carrick’s midfield in tatters.
When Casemiro leaves at the end of his contract next week, Coby Mainu and Manuel Ugarte will be United’s only recognized senior central midfielders ahead of the return of Champions League football. However, the Red Devils are close to signing Atalanta star Ederson for £35m.
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Tottenham target Matheus Fernandes (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
United want at least two new midfielders, and could become three if Ugarte is sold. After the season, Carrick said of the transfer window: “There is clearly work to be done.
“We know it’s very clear, some players are leaving and there’s a bit of work to be done. It’s not like this time is any more important than the last time and it’s not something we as a football club have to make the most of from now on.”
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