United face race against time after major rival strikes first with 85m bid for Wilcox’s dream target – report

Manchester United are running out of time to strike a deal for Mateus Fernandes as Tottenham Hotspur ramp up their pursuit of the 21-year-old midfielder, according to the latest report. Spurs on the hunt Having come perilously close to suffering an unthinkable relegation last season, Tottenham are moving aggressively in the market to back Roberto De Zerbi this summer. This approach is understood to have taken many of their rivals, including United, by surprise, as the Lilywhites are seemingly willing to overpay to secure their targets. Newcastle United maestro Sandro Tonali is an option virtually every top club in England has considered. However, the Magpies’ valuation – believed to be as high as £100 million – has deterred the Red Devils and other suitors. But Tottenham Hotspur have since ignited a move for the Italy international, tabling a bid worth around £80 million after getting the green light from the player over his wish to swap the North East for North London. Newcastle have rejected this, but a follow-up offer is expected, which comes closer to £100 million. Yet Spurs are not limiting themselves solely to Tonali. Negotiations are underway to make West Ham United starlet Fernandes their second big-money recruit in midfield, given De Zerbi has identified the spine of his new side as its primary weakness. Manchester United were understood to be frontrunners for the one-cap Portugal international, having seen off interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid after holding talks with his camp, led by super agent Jorge Mendes. Indeed, Madrid are said to have pulled out of the race as they “expect” him to arrive at Old Trafford instead, with sporting director Jason Wilcox spearheading the pursuit, having signed Fernandes from Sporting CP for Southampton in 2024, before he joined West Ham last summer. Spurs launch hijack Despite Fernandes viewing Old Trafford as a ‘dream’ move, West Ham’s £85 million asking price is beyond the price United consider him to be worth. The Red Devils value him closer to £60 million, even if they may be willing to exceed this if needed. This disparity has led to weeks of protracted negotiations between the two clubs. Consequently, Spurs have been afforded the chance to storm into the race, essentially overtaking United in the queue. Despite the rivalry between the two London clubs, the Hammers are simply ready to do business with the highest bidder, while Fernandes is also open to the inter-city switch. TEAMtalk reveals Tottenham have submitted a proposal which meets West Ham’s valuation, though it is reliant upon add-ons and bonuses to reach the total figure. “The Hammers are seeking a package of around £85 million (€99m, $112m) for Fernandes and it’s understood that Spurs have presented a package that reaches that amount, albeit with a smaller chunk – estimated to be worth £65 million up front – with the rest in add-ons and bonuses,” the report states. Well-placed sources claim Spurs have now been given a “full green light to seal the deal”, which would constitute a club record should it be accepted. However, figures close to Old Trafford continue to “insist [United] are not out the race just yet”, even if the clock is ticking for INEOS to present an offer which competes with their rivals’. Final Thoughts United are said to remain in talks with West Ham, while the allure of playing with Bruno Fernandes in the Champions League is understood to be of particular attraction to Mateus Fernandes. But if Tottenham are the only offer the Hammers will let the youngster accept, a dream move to the Theatre of Dreams will be parked in reluctant favour of a switch to the imaginatively named Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Featured image Clive Rose via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Fox Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.