Fernandes seals Tottenham switch in club-record deal as Owen's Man Utd hopes fade

Tottenham are closing in on a statement summer signing with Mateus Fernandes having given the green light to a move to North London, according to multiple sources tracking the deal.

The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder has already approved his switch to Spurs, with Roberto De Zerbi identifying him as a key target to reinforce his midfield options. Negotiations between Tottenham and West Ham are said to be well advanced, with reliable journalist Matteo Moretto confirming on X in the early hours of June 25 that the player has sanctioned the transfer and remains a priority for the Lilywhites boss.

The fee being touted stands at £85million, which would represent a club-record outlay for Spurs if the deal gets over the line. Fernandes will also be offered substantially improved wages compared to what Manchester United were prepared to table, a significant sweetener in Tottenham's favour.

This represents a significant setback for United, who have been locked in their own pursuit of the West Ham midfielder. The Red Devils remain in talks for Fernandes, but their position has weakened considerably. INEOS and Michael Carrick's recruitment team are keen to bolster their midfield ranks following Casemiro's exit, and they've already agreed terms with Atalanta for Ederson Silva. They're also looking to move Manuel Ugarte on during this window.

West Ham's relegation from the Premier League has opened the door for a host of clubs to circle their prized assets, and Fernandes appears destined for the exit. The Championship holds little appeal for an ambitious midfielder of his calibre.

The timing will sting for Michael Owen, who publicly made his case for United to pursue the West Ham prospect just two weeks earlier. Speaking to Metro on June 12, the former United striker waxed lyrical about Fernandes' potential.

"Casemiro's shoes are big shoes to fill," Owen explained. "Personally if I was Michael Carrick, if I was Manchester United, I'd be getting Fernandes from West Ham. I think he's very good. I think he's exactly what they need."

Owen highlighted the midfielder's age as a particular asset, arguing that spending £80-100million demands a player still in their development arc rather than someone in their late twenties. He also tipped Fernandes to form an impressive partnership with Kobbie Mainoo in United's engine room.

"I watched him a lot," Owen continued. "I think he's a very good pick. He's reasonably young which is another massive tick. I could see him and Kobbie Mainoo forming a great partnership in there, and the other thing is he should be gettable. West Ham have gone into the Championship and he's not going to want to be playing in the Championship so I mean I would think that he's very gettable and I think he's very good. I personally would be making him my first choice."

That endorsement now looks set to go unrewarded, with Tottenham's superior offer and De Zerbi's pull proving decisive in the race for the Portuguese talent.