Tottenham have accelerated their interest in West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes by naming the 21-year-old Portuguese international as a priority target for midfield reinforcement this summer. According to information gathered, conversations between the clubs are taking place positively and there is optimism in London regarding the possibility of reaching an agreement.
West Ham, however, understands that their player is valued at around £80 million, a figure that has served as a reference in negotiations. Mateus Fernandes has also been linked to Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, but Spurs appear to be ahead at the moment.
Tottenham's offensive comes after a proposal from Newcastle's Sandro Tonali was turned down last week. The Londoners' offer would have been around £80 million. Spurs manager Roberto De Zerbi is a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old Italian midfielder, and the club has even explored the financial viability of the deal. Tonali, however, has four years left on his contract, after signing a new contract to repay the trust that Newcastle showed him during his 10-month suspension for violating the English Federation's betting rules.
When it comes to the market, Tottenham has been particularly active. He has already secured four reinforcements this summer: this Wednesday, he reached an agreement to sign goalkeeper Martin Dubravka for free when his contract with Burnley expires on July 1st. The 37-year-old Slovak international joins Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson — also signed on a free transfer from Bournemouth and Liverpool — and Jan Paul van Hecke, a Dutch defender signed from Brighton for £52 million.
With the central midfielder's dossier at the top of their priorities, Spurs remain in contact for Mateus Fernandes, while West Ham asserts its negotiating position with the £80 million mark.
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