Tottenham are closing in on a move for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.
The 21-year-old has been linked with a number of clubs in the January transfer window, including Manchester United and West Ham United, with the Hammers believed to be closest to sealing the youngster's signature.
However, football.london understand that Jose Mourinho's side are now closing in on a transfer to bring in Fernandes on an initial loan move, with an option for a permanent deal.
Fernandes is a player Mourinho knows plenty about, and one who can help fill the gap left by Moussa Sissoko's injury lay-off.
The French star is set to be out for at least three months, with the club confirming that they are aiming for a return to training in early April following surgery on the medial collateral ligament in his right knee.
Fernandes, like Sissoko, can play in the centre of midfield and in a wider role on the right, and should go some of the way to helping reinforce Spurs' midfield with a busy schedule continuing in the coming months as Spurs return to Champions League action.
West Ham did look the likeliest to complete the signing of Fernandes during the week, with reports on Thursday stating that they had agreed a deal with the player ahead of an 18-month loan deal.
David Moyes confirmed that Fernandes was under discussion as a potential incoming transfer, but Spurs look to have beaten their London rivals to the punch.
