Mateus Fernandes: Tottenham near agreement on personal terms with United target | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly inching closer towards striking an agreement over personal terms with the camp of West Ham midfielder and Manchester United target Mateus Fernandes.

Key target

United are prioritising midfield reinforcements this summer as they prepare to play in the Champions League next season and potentially mount a title challenge.

Already, the Red Devils have wrapped up a deal with Atalanta for Ederson, who will officially complete his move after Brazil’s involvement in the World Cup in North America.

Attention has now shifted to Fernandes, who is all but guaranteed to depart West Ham following their relegation to the Championship. Despite West Ham’s struggles in 2025/26, Fernandes still stood out, catching the eye with his dominant displays in the middle of the park.

United view him as the perfect candidate to come into the team and slot next to Kobbie Mainoo. The major hindrance to getting a deal done fast has been West Ham’s valuation. Despite going down and being under pressure to sell, the Hammers are demanding around £85m for the player.

Michael Carrick’s side have no desire to fork out such a heavy sum and are looking to try and drive the price down during negotiations. Fernandes is understood to want a switch to Old Trafford, having frequently spoken of his admiration for his Portuguese compatriot Bruno Fernandes.

United are not the only party keeping tabs on the West Ham man. Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid are also thought to be eyeing him.

More recently, David Ornstein of The Athletic revealed that Tottenham have stormed into the race to snap up the 21-year-old.

Now, journalist Matteo Moretto is claiming that Tottenham are close to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes, spelling trouble for United’s pursuit of the midfielder.

Fernandes update

According to Moretto on X, “Tottenham is very close to reaching an agreement with Mateus Fernandes on the contract.”

“There have still been no official negotiations with West Ham.”

“Mateus Fernandes, also on the radar of other big clubs, is open to signing for Tottenham.”

Whether this development prompts United into action remains uncertain, but they are unlikely to engage in a bidding war. Value for money will also be a key consideration.

Fernandes made 36 Premier League appearances in 2025/26, contributing three goals and four assists in that period.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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