Tottenham looks to hijack United’s pursuit of the West Ham star as Roberto De Zerbi nears a deal, leaving the Red Devils scrambling to fix their midfield.
It is no secret that the three main targets for Manchester United this summer have been the midfield position. With Casemiro leaving, United require a blockbuster replacement to replace such a big player in the side.
With Manuel Ugarte also close to leaving Old Trafford, Michael Carrick's side needs major reinforcements to join Ederson through the door as the club competes on all fronts next season.
As of now, Kobbie Mainoo and Ederson are the only players United have available to play in the midfield two behind the front four.
Among other links, Mateus Fernandes has been identified as the number one priority after Elliot Anderson edges closer to joining Manchester City. However, this move has taken a huge hit.
Spurs close to agreeing personal terms with Fernandes
While there have been links to PSG and Real Madrid, United have been the main club interested in signing the Portuguese midfielder.
With West Ham wanting over £75 million for their services, United expected they could spend time negotiating and bring the fee down and not enter a bidding war.
In a recent turn of events, Roberto De Zerbi's Tottenham Hotspur have firmly entered the race for Fernandes and are potentially getting ready to leapfrog United in the race for his services.
According to reputable journalist Matteo Moretto, Spurs are close to agreeing on personal terms, and Fernandes is showing a willingness to join the North London rivals despite them being fierce rivals to West Ham.
United need to act fast
If Spurs were to seal the deal for West Ham's prized asset, it would prove to be a huge blow for the Red Devils. His defensive nous, technical attributes and tenacity are all a part of a skill set that could work nicely alongside Mainoo.
This could easily be a ploy from Jorge Mendes to force United's hand and drive up not only the price but also a potential financial package. A tactic known to many super agents to use.
However, like the deal for Bryan Mbeumo last season, the club will ideally need something similar from Fernandes to all but publicly declare he only wants United. But the fact it says he is open to Spurs is a concern.
The club have already lost out on Anderson. It could be that the club have to venture to then become smarter and enter the Ligue 1 market, where Ayyoub Bouaddi or Mamadou Sangaré apply their trades. Potentially, the club could look at one of Real Madrid's French duo of Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni as an option.
The Premier League experience that Fernandes offers is something that adds to the allure of the player and adds that slight extra bit of risk to other deals. United cannot afford to get this midfield rebuild wrong.
