Manchester United worked hard to sign Matheus Fernandes, but Tottenham look set to win the race for the West Ham midfielder after agreeing to pay a guaranteed fee of £85m.
Matheus Fernandes joins Tottenham in big-money move (Image: James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
Tottenham have blasted Manchester United by agreeing an £85m deal for Matheus Fernandes. Spurs have made the highest bid for Fernandes, 21, who is ready to move to London.
The Portuguese was one of United’s top targets in the summer transfer window as manager Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield. However, Mirror Football understands that £85m is far more than their valuation and puts Tottenham on course for a championship.
Fernandes became a priority player after United withdrew their transfer for Nottingham Forest star Elliott Anderson. In similar circumstances, the Red Devils were unwilling to match Manchester City’s successful bid of £116 million.
United are therefore looking for a replacement player on the market, with midfield strongman Casemiro set to leave the club when his contract expires on Wednesday. However, Carrick’s side agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta to sign holding midfielder Ederson.
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Fernandes is expected to be Tottenham’s fifth summer signing. Spurs have already finalized deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka, all on free transfers, and paid Jan Paul van Hecke £52m to Brighton.
Like United, Tottenham are currently focusing on their midfield. Yves Bissouma is set to leave the club when his contract expires, while Joao Parinha’s loan period has come to an end, and a new departure has emerged after Lukas Bergvall has informed the club’s management that he is looking for a new challenge.
Roberto de Zerbi’s side narrowly avoided relegation at the expense of West Ham, taking advantage of the Irons’ need to raise funds. Jarrod Bowen is also a star player for West Ham, with several Premier League clubs interested.
Is Matheus Fernandes worth £85m? Let us know what you think in the comments section.
Matheus Fernandes represents the beginning of Tottenham’s midfield rebuild (Image: Richard Pelham/Getty Images)
The sale of Fernandes would be a huge gain for the Irons, who signed him from Southampton for £38m a year ago. The 21-year-old impressed with his consistent performance, although he was unable to avoid West Ham’s fall from the Championship.
Fernandes played in 38 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing four assists. He also made his debut for Portugal in April, but was not included in Roberto Martinez’s 26-man World Cup squad.
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