Tottenham have beaten Manchester United to the £85million signing on Mateus Fernandes.
Both Spurs and Man Utd had made the young Portuguese a priority summer signing as the Hammers welcomed a bidding war.
Both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were also said to hold an interest in one of Europe’s most promising young midfielders
Fernandes was prepared to join either club, as his agent, Jorge Mendes, negotiated with the rival bidders.
And Standard Sport understands that Spurs have triumphed, beating Man Utd to their no1 summer target with bigger financial outlay.
Spurs will pay a guaranteed £85m fix fee for the 21-year-old, easily surpassing the previous club-record £65m purchase of Dominic Solanke in 2024.
Man Utd’s finances could not match Spurs’ might, both in terms of fee and player salary.
Fernandes will now become Spurs’ fifth summer signing, after Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka.
Man Utd will now look at alternative midfield options after suffering a huge blow to their summer plans.
West Ham players return to training next week, and Spurs will now look to wrap up the deal in time for Fernandes to begin pre-season in north London.
Fernandes’ imminent arrival will mark the second summer running that Spurs have signed a star player from their rivals.
Last summer, Mohamed Kudus joined Spurs in a deal worth around £60m.
Spurs will then look to wrap up a deal for Sandro Tonali as manager Roberto De Zerbi looks to completely overhaul his midfield.
Newcastle are demanding close to £100m for their midfielder, which would see Spurs smash their club-record transfer for the second time.
Spurs have reportedly agreed personal terms with Tonali on a six-year deal, and have seen a first bid for the Italian rejected by Newcastle.
