Man United step up pursuit of Mateus Fernandes to see off Tottenham

Manchester United have renewed their efforts to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham United, tabling an improved contract bid in an attempt to outmanoeuvre Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Portuguese midfielder. The 21-year-old is expected to leave the London Stadium after the Hammers suffered relegation from the Premier League, with the club holding out for a fee in the region of £80 million.

Fernandes, who joined West Ham from Southampton a year ago for £38 million plus add-ons, has attracted interest from a host of Europe’s elite. Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have all made enquiries, but United have emerged as the frontrunners. Tottenham, however, complicated matters recently by reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the player over a lucrative salary package.

Red Devils refuse to back down

Despite Tottenham’s aggressive move, United have not retreated. Respected journalist Andy Mitten has indicated that although Fernandes is open to joining Spurs, his preference remains a switch to Old Trafford. In response to Tottenham’s attempt to blow them out of the water financially, United have made direct contact with Fernandes’ representatives and signalled their intention to improve their own contractual offer in a bid to convince him to choose Manchester.

According to transfer specialist Matteo Moretto, the Red Devils have now taken the next step of preparing to open formal talks with West Ham. However, United are reluctant to meet the full £80 million valuation placed on Fernandes. The London club are under no pressure to sell cheaply given that the midfielder still has three years left on his contract, but the player’s desire to stay in the top flight could force a compromise.

Midfield rebuild takes shape

United are planning to sign at least two midfielders this summer and have already agreed a deal to bring Ederson from Atalanta to Old Trafford. A third arrival had been pencilled in if Manuel Ugarte were to depart, but the Uruguay international now faces a potential lengthy lay-off after suffering a knee injury during the defeat to Spain on Friday. That setback may accelerate United’s need for another body in the middle of the park, with Kobbie Mainoo currently their only recognised central midfielder following Casemiro’s departure earlier in the window.

The battle for Fernandes is far from over. Tottenham remain confident that their verbal agreement gives them an edge, but United’s renewed push shows they are determined not to let a second major target slip away this summer. With the transfer window still open and West Ham’s asking price proving the main sticking point, the next few days could be decisive in determining where the Portuguese playmaker ends up. For now, Old Trafford appears to hold the stronger emotional pull, but Spurs are ready to match the financial demands. The race is very much alive.