Man Utd suffer blow as top target set for Premier League rival for huge fee

Tottenham Hotspur have beaten Manchester United to the signing of Mateus Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder, 21, has agreed a move to Spurs worth 85million, preferring a move to North London over the Red Devils.

Fernandes will become Tottenham's fifth summer acquisition and the most expensive signing in the club's history, eclipsing Dominic Solanke's 65million transfer from Bournemouth in 2024. He joins Roberto De Zerbi's outfit having featured 36 times for relegated West Ham last season, netting three goals.

Manchester United had identified Fernandes as a priority target following their agreement to bring in Ederson from Atalanta. However, the club was put off by both the price tag and the player's wage demands, and Fernandes chose Tottenham instead.

Fernandes made his Portugal debut in April but was omitted from their World Cup squad. He is expected to meet his new teammates when pre-season training kicks off in less than two weeks.

Tottenham's recruitment drive continues under De Zerbi, with further reinforcements expected at the Hotspur Stadium. Jan Paul van Hecke has joined from Brighton and Hove Albion for 52million, while other arrivals include Andy Robertson, Marco Senesi and Martin Dubravka.

Fernandes will bolster Tottenham's midfield, which features Conor Gallagher, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Matar Sarr, Archie Gray and Lucas Bergvall. However, Bergvall's future hangs in the balance amid rumours he is seeking a fresh challenge away from Spurs.

Manchester United's transfer woes have been compounded by Manuel Ugarte sustaining a severe knee injury at the World Cup. The club maintains they will only sign players at the right valuation and ones who want to play for them.