Tottenham Edge Closer to Fernandes Deal as Manchester United's Pursuit Falters

Spurs appear to be making genuine headway in their bid to land West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, with sources suggesting the club has moved to the brink of a personal terms agreement with the Portuguese midfielder.

The north London outfit has been nothing short of prolific in the transfer market this summer, already securing three arrivals in Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, and Jan Paul van Hecke. Now they're pursuing two of the Premier League's most coveted midfield talents, with Fernandes valued at £80million and Sandro Tonali commanding £100million.

According to insider Matteo Moretto, Tottenham have drawn tantalizingly close to reaching a breakthrough with Fernandes personally, though formal negotiations between the clubs have yet to materialise. Crucially, the player himself appears amenable to the prospect of joining the Lilywhites.

United's Unwanted Complication

The plot thickens considerably with Manchester United's involvement. Earlier reports suggested Fernandes harbored a preference for Old Trafford, with Tottenham merely biding their time in hope that the Red Devils' pursuit would collapse. That scenario has rather inverted itself, with United now making tangible progress on their own front.

The reality facing Spurs is more nuanced than a straight battle. Fernandes could potentially view the Lilywhites as a fallback option, meaning even if personal terms are agreed, a successful bid from United could yet derail everything. Conversely, should Tottenham lodge an acceptable offer before their rivals, there's nothing to prevent Fernandes subsequently committing to them anyway.

West Ham remain unmoved on their valuation, holding firm at £85million with no apparent willingness to negotiate downwards.

The Tonali Priority

Interestingly, Tottenham's pursuit of Tonali appears to carry greater intensity than their Fernandes campaign. The Italian midfielder, whilst commanding a steeper fee, brings Premier League pedigree and experience—commodities the club desperately requires following two disappointing seasons. Bolstering that midfield with proven top-flight talent seems to be driving their strategy more forcefully than chasing Fernandes alone.