The rumours regarding the future of Mateus Fernandes are rampant. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are locked in a big-money race to sign the midfielder, who has now been given an ultimatum by both chasing clubs.
It’s the summer of midfielders in the Premier League, and expensive ones at that. Tottenham have already seen a £75m offer rebuffed by Newcastle United for Sandro Tonali, as they look to add to their impressive business to start the summer.
The Lilywhites have already signed Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson, Martin Duvravka and Jan Paul van Hecke – almost forming an entire new backline – and now have their sights set on a midfielder.
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Football FanCast’s Verdict |
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Credibility |
The latest update on Fernandes comes from the reliable Ben Jacobs, who covered the news with talkSPORT. With West Ham remaining stubborn over their £80m asking price, it’s a natural next step that formal talks have been held and chasing clubs have urged the midfielder to decide his own future. |
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Finances |
It won’t be a cheap deal, with the already-mentioned £85m asking price unlikely to drop anytime soon. Spurs should have little concern about that, however, given that they were willing to pay £75m for Tonali. Man United, meanwhile, are expected to spend big on another midfielder this summer. |
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Insight |
Fernandes is an all-rounder at the heart of midfield. Whilst he is often praised as an excellent line-breaking passer, the West Ham star also proved to be a fantastic player out of possession last season, making 368 defensive contributions. |
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Impact |
In terms of providing balance, the 21-year-old would be a tidier choice in a rugged Spurs midfield and a line-breaker who can provide service for Bruno Fernandes at Old Trafford. |
Fernandes has now been told to decide his future, before Spurs or Man United attempt to match West Ham’s hefty price-tag this summer.
Tottenham and Man Utd tell Fernandes to choose his club
As reported by Ben Jacobs, via talkSPORT, Tottenham and Man United have told Fernandes to pick his next move so they can weaken West Ham’s negotiating stance.
Both sides want the green-light from the Portuguese midfielder before they press ahead with a serious effort to meet the Hammers’ demands.
Man United have already opened formal talks in a key step towards any deal on the club-to-club front, but Jacobs suggests both suitors are ‘waiting’ for a preference from the player to avoid the bidding war West Ham so desperately want.
“Manchester United are still in formal talks with West Ham, and what I sense here is both Man United and Spurs are waiting to see if they can get that communication from the player that he only wants to join a particular club – and then you’re in a stronger position to negotiate with West Ham United.”
Just how long Fernandes has to decide will be interesting to see. He’s certainly not the only midfield target that the Premier League duo could sign this summer, and must not risk losing out on such a big move.
What have Fernandes’ teammates said about him?
Perhaps the biggest endorsement of the 21 year-old’s ability comes not from his time at West Ham, but Southampton.
Indeed, Saints midfielder Flynn Downes revealed he and his teammates were taken aback by just how good their new signing was when he arrived from Sporting CP.
“What a player, what a player. I obviously had no idea about him when he arrived and he is so good,” he said.
“He’s similar to Tyler (Dibling) really. He’s strong and has a good first touch. But his work ethic, you can see he wants to win every game.
“He is a pleasure to play with. He is a great guy. He is learning English and I’m sure his character will come out a bit more.”
