Tottenham Hotspur have held positive talks with West Ham United over the prospective £85m of Mateus Fernandes, as they aim to beat Manchester United to the Portuguese midfielder’s signature.
The progress comes a summer that is expected to see Spurs spend a considerable budget to boost new manager Roberto De Zerbi’s plans.
Having been relegated at the end of the season, West Ham are insistent on a significant proportion of any agreed price up front, while Tottenham have also offered a higher package overall.
Their wage proposal to Fernandes is higher than United’s, and the 21-year-old is very keen on the move.
Spurs have a budget of well over £200m for this window, and want to bring in players suited to De Zerbi’s system. The Italian is personally a huge fan of Fernandes.
Manchester United maintain an interest but may look elsewhere as they do not want to get involved in a bidding war.
