Mateus Fernandes ‘picks between Man Utd and Tottenham’ as final transfer decision made | Football | Sport
Mateus Fernandes has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester United, with the midfielder instead saying yes to Tottenham. Both clubs have been vying for his signature in recent weeks in a bid to strengthen their squads ahead of the new Premier League season. United have been particularly keen to follow up their signing of Atalanta playmaker Ederson with another top-class midfielder.
However, they have reportedly failed in their efforts to land the 21-year-old, with The Athletic claiming that Tottenham have won the race to sign him. The report states that Spurs submitted a higher offer than United, having agreed a club-record deal worth around £85million. It’s said that the numbers went beyond where the Red Devils were prepared to go.
United are now preparing to shift their focus to other targets, having seen success from being patient in the window last summer.
It means Fernandes is poised to become Tottenham’s fourth summer signing, following in the footsteps of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke.
He is currently earning around £60,000 per week at West Ham but will almost certainly receive a significant pay rise in north London.
Fernandes was one of the Hammers’ standout performers last season as they were relegated to the Championship, making 36 league appearances and chipping in with three goals and four assists.
He will join a deep Tottenham midfield that already includes the likes of Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall.
However, the latter is expected to leave the club this summer after informing them of his desire to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
Yves Bissouma will officially exit Tottenham when his contract expires at the end of this month, while Joao Palhinha’s loan deal has expired and a permanent deal is yet to be agreed.
They survived an unthinkable relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day of last season, securing their Premier League status with a nervy win over Everton on home soil.
