Tottenham confident of signing £80m Mateus Fernandes as Man Utd may withdraw

Tottenham are stepping up their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes and are prepared to meet an asking price in the region of £80 million after West Ham's relegation. Manchester United, reluctant to enter an expensive bidding war, could now pull out of the race.

The club have been active in the transfer market to support manager Roberto De Zerbi, bringing in Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and goalkeeper Martin Dubravka. Fernandes would add technical quality and energy to De Zerbi's midfield; he made 38 appearances and scored four goals in his first season at West Ham after arriving from Southampton last August for €44 million, and personal terms are reported to be close.

United face a midfield dilemma with Casemiro leaving at the end of his contract, leaving Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte as the only recognised senior central midfielders. The club want at least two additions and Fernandes fits the profile, but a reluctance to spend risks leaving Michael Carrick with a threadbare squad.

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