Man Utd set to miss out on top transfer target after rivals enter 'advanced talks' with €100m star

25 Jun 2026 16:03 BST | 4 min read

Michael Carrick, Roberto de Zerbi, Man Utd — © IMAGO

Suraj Radia | Editor

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Manchester United look set to miss out on their top midfielder target this summer after Tottenham accelerated their pursuit of West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

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Fernandes has been a key target for United to strengthen in midfield after the impending arrival of Ederson from Atalanta, although West Ham’s price tag has so far been a cause for hesitation from Michael Carrick’s side.

Current ETV

Mateus Fernandes

M (C)

West Ham

Mateus Fernandes

M (C)

West Ham

ETV Range

€26.1M - €31.8M

The Hammers are holding out for bids close to €100 million for Fernandes despite being relegated last season, having encountered interest from Real Madrid and Tottenham alongside United.

Now, according to TEAMtalk, Tottenham have been given the ‘full green light’ to move forward with a deal after Fernandes accepted their personal terms, with Spurs allegedly willing to offer the 21-year-old ‘substantially higher wages’ than United.

Tottenham are now described as being in ‘advanced talks’ with West Ham over a club-record deal that could end up being worth the full £85m (€99m) asking price but with £65m (€75m) up front and the rest in add-ons.

However, United are not believed to be out of the race yet and Fernandes is thought to favour a move to Old Trafford, with the coming days said to be ‘critical’ if the Red Devils do look to hijack Tottenham’s deal from being completed.

Man Utd given Fernandes chance despite Tottenham pressing hard for deal

United are still thought to be in talks with West Ham over a deal, while Fernandes is said to be ‘dreaming’ of playing alongside his idol, international teammate and namesake in Bruno Fernandes.

© IMAGO - Mateus Fernandes could leave West Ham this summer.

With United also being able to offer Champions League football, they may be able to seal a deal if a fee can be agreed, although West Ham have shown no desire to lower their asking price so far.

Real Madrid are also unlikely to make a move after opting to pursue Enzo Fernandez as their first-choice target this midfielder target summer, while United have considered other options such as Alex Scott from Bournemouth.

Tottenham have also not ruled out the prospect of signing Fernandes alongside Sandro Tonali, whom they saw a similar-sized offer rejected for by Newcastle last week, with manager Roberto De Zerbi keen to be aggressive in pursuing top-tier targets to revamp his squad.

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