United fear Spurs will hijack move for “incredible” World Cup star, Wilcox in talks to strike deal first – Sky Sports

Manchester United have wasted little time rueing being beaten to the punch for Mateus Fernandes by Tottenham Hotspur after accelerating a deal to sign Andrey Santos from Chelsea. But the Red Devils now fear a similar fate in their pursuit of Crysencio Summerville, according to a new report. Wing Wizard Having been priced out of moves for their first-choice options like Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande, the Red Devils have made Summerville their “No.1 target” on the left wing this summer. The “incredible” 24-year-old trickster, who is capable of playing on both flanks, enjoyed a positive campaign for West Ham last season, despite the Hammers being relegated on the final day. He returned seven goals and five assists in all competitions. This form has continued for the Netherlands, where the Rotterdam native scored twice and set up two more for his country at the World Cup. His goal in their opening game against Japan was an excellent strike, cutting in from the right on his weaker foot. This versatility will be appealing to Manchester United’s hierarchy, as they look to create a fluid frontline, with the 6’5″ Benjamin Sesko as the focal point. Both Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha are capable of playing out wide or through the middle, making a natural winger like Summerville an ideal addition to mirror Amad on the right. West Ham are understood to be asking for £50 million to let the former Leeds United star leave Elland Road this summer. He previously won the Championship Player of the Year while at Elland Road. Spurs eye another hijack Sky Sports reveals Manchester United, led by sporting director Jason Wilcox, have held “initial, exploratory talks with West Ham” over a deal for Summerville. With the Netherlands having been knocked out of the World Cup by Morocco last week, his future is now expected to be “clarified in the coming weeks”. However, the report states United would “ideally want to sign him using funds from the sale of Marcus Rashford”. With FC Barcelona having opted against triggering the £26 million buy-option to sign the 28-year-old England international permanently, he is set to return to Old Trafford. But Rashford is currently on duty for the Three Lions at the World Cup, who look primed to go deep into the competition with a quarter-final clash against Norway on Saturday evening. Sky Sports claims this could delay Rashford’s arrival in M16 until “well into August,” potentially delaying a pursuit of Summerville. The Red Devils are not alone in their admiration of the flying Dutchman, with Chelsea, Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain having all expressed interest in the relegated star. However, it is Tottenham who United fear most after the Lilywhites also entered the race. Old Trafford chiefs are said to be “very aware they could lose out to Spurs on another priority signing if they do not move quickly”. At Roberto De Zerbi’s request, the North London club hijacked United’s deal for Fernandes, despite the 21-year-old Portuguese having greenlit a switch to Manchester. Final Thoughts The aggression Tottenham have demonstrated in the market this summer is understood to have taken their rivals, including the Red Devils, by surprise. But having almost suffered the same fate as West Ham, the willingness to spend big to avoid a repeat of last season is understandable. Manchester United will just be hoping it is not a case of disappointing déjà vu for another one of their leading targets, having already faced major setbacks in pursuits of Elliot Anderson and Aurelien Tchouameni alongside Fernandes. Featured image Julian Finney 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.