Tottenham Closing In on Contract With Mateus Fernandes, United Face Real Threat Now

The race for Mateus Fernandes is getting complicated. And not in a way Manchester United was hoping for.

Tottenham has moved fast on personal terms with the West Ham midfielder, according to journalist Matteo Moretto. He says the Spurs are very close to agreeing a contract with the 21-year-old, even though no official talks have happened with West Ham yet.

Fernandes is open to joining Tottenham. That much is clear.

United had been the frontrunner for much of the summer. They need midfield help after locking up Ederson from Atalanta, and Fernandes was supposed to be the next piece. Kobbie Mainoo needs a partner in the middle, and Fernandes looked like the perfect fit. He’s young, he’s physical, and he was one of the few bright spots during West Ham’s miserable season that ended in relegation.

But here’s the problem. West Ham wants around £85 million for him. That’s a lot for a team that just went down, and United has been hesitant to pay that price. Michael Carrick’s side has been trying to negotiate the number down, but the Hammers aren’t budging yet.

Now Tottenham is lurking. And they’re not the only ones. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been watching Fernandes closely. The Portuguese midfielder has made no secret of his admiration for Bruno Fernandes, and a move to Old Trafford seemed like the natural storyline. But Tottenham might have jumped the line here.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein first reported Spurs’ interest recently, and now Moretto’s update suggests they’re moving faster than United on the personal terms side of things.

Fernandes played 36 Premier League games last season. Three goals, four assists. Not eye-popping numbers, but his work in the middle of the park was dominant. He’s the type of midfielder who controls tempo, breaks up plays, and can push forward when needed.

United isn’t likely to get into a bidding war. The club has been conscious about value for money this summer, and £85 million for a player from a relegated team feels steep. But if Tottenham gets a deal done with Fernandes first, United might have to either match the offer or move on entirely.

For now, the ball is in Tottenham’s court. And Fernandes seems fine with that.