Spurs are reportedly looking at a creative route to land West Ham’s Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with a player-plus-cash package on the table as they try to win over the Hammers this summer.
The 21-year-old has emerged as one of Roberto De Zerbi’s priority targets as he reshapes the Tottenham squad, and talks have already opened with Fernandes’ camp. The sticking point, though, is West Ham’s valuation — the east Londoners want around £85m and feel no urgency to sell, banking on multiple Premier League suitors driving the price up further.
United Also Circling
Spurs aren’t the only ones in the race. Manchester United are keeping close tabs too, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Fernandes himself hasn’t picked a side yet — he’s reportedly comfortable joining either club and will likely go wherever West Ham’s demands get met first. That puts the focus less on player preference and more on which side can structure a deal West Ham will accept, including how the fee is paid out in instalments and add-ons.
Mikey Moore Could Make The Difference
To get ahead of United, Tottenham are said to be willing to sweeten things with players rather than just cash. One name being floated is academy winger Mikey Moore, who impressed during a loan spell at Rangers last season — 47 games, seven goals, four assists.
With Spurs missing out on European football next term, regular minutes for the 18-year-old could be hard to come by, making another loan a sensible developmental step. For West Ham, who are rebuilding after relegation and could lose Crysencio Summerville, Moore would be an appealing addition up front — a deal that could work nicely for everyone involved.
Midfield Overhaul Underway
This pursuit fits into De Zerbi’s broader plan to overhaul Tottenham’s midfield after already bolstering the defence. Fernandes ticks the boxes — young, versatile, technically gifted — but with United in the mix and West Ham holding firm, getting it done won’t be straightforward.
Expect this one to run for a while as Spurs push to land a key piece of De Zerbi’s rebuild.
