Tottenham Hotspur enquire about Mateus Fernandes

Manchester United’s plans for a major midfield rebuild have placed them in the middle of a growing transfer battle for one of the Premier League’s most wanted young players.

The Red Devils have already identified midfield as a priority position this summer, with Michael Carrick’s side looking to add more quality and depth ahead of their return to Champions League football.

A deal for Ederson from Atalanta has already been agreed, but United are still working on further additions in the centre of the pitch.

One of their biggest targets is West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, although competition for his signature continues to increase.

Tottenham Hotspur enter race for Mateus Fernandes

Tottenham Hotspur have now entered the picture after making an enquiry for the Portugal international, according to Ben Jacobs who was speaking on the Last Word on Spurs YouTube channel.

However, any Spurs move would currently be viewed as an attempt to hijack United’s progress, with the Red Devils already holding talks with West Ham and Fernandes’ representative Jorge Mendes.

Mateus Fernandes has become one of the most highly-rated midfielders in England after an impressive season, but West Ham are not prepared to allow him to leave easily.

The Hammers are reportedly demanding a fee in the region of £80-85 million for the 21-year-old, despite suffering relegation.

West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky insisted the club are not being forced into selling their top players, saying, “We have a very credible strategy.

“We don’t need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal.”

United’s interest comes as they continue to search for midfield reinforcements, with Fernandes viewed as a player who fits their long-term project.

Alongside Spurs, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid have also been linked with the midfielder, although the Spanish giants are not currently expected to make a formal move.

Reports suggested Jose Mourinho, now in charge at Madrid, had identified Fernandes as a potential target, but that interest appears to have cooled.

Jacobs explained Tottenham’s involvement, saying, “They’re looking at the market with various names.

“They made an enquiry for Matheus Fernandes, even though the direction of travel there is Manchester United or PSG.

“Real Madrid could even enter that race, but he was another player that they looked at.

“Funny, because Tottenham and West Ham just don’t do that much business ever.”

United’s pursuit of Fernandes is also being helped by their existing relationship with Mendes, who is involved in negotiations surrounding a potential move.

With Ederson already arriving and another midfielder expected, Fernandes remains one of the key names United are pushing for as they continue rebuilding Carrick’s squad.