Manchester United may miss out on their primary midfield target, Mateus Fernandes, with reports suggesting that the Portuguese star is now leaning towards joining Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

Despite West Ham United’s relegation to the Championship last season, Fernandes delivered impressive performances that caught the attention of several top European clubs.

Among those most keen on signing the midfielder are Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Real Madrid. However, none of the clubs have yet tabled an official bid to West Ham.

Earlier in the summer, Manchester United were believed to be in a strong position to secure Fernandes’s signature. That perception changed when reports surfaced indicating that Tottenham were prepared to make a substantial financial offer to bring the Portugal international to north London.

Italian journalist Nicolo Schira reported that Tottenham are ready to pay £70 million for the West Ham talent, while Manchester United and Real Madrid remain interested in the race for his signature.

Schira had written that Tottenham were prepared to offer £70 million to West Ham to sign Matheus Fernandes, with Manchester United and Real Madrid still monitoring the situation closely.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano added further insight on his YouTube channel, stating: “According to my information, Tottenham are in discussions with the player’s agent, Jorge Mendes, and they are pushing hard to reach a personal agreement, but nothing is guaranteed or finalised yet.

“More talks are expected between Tottenham and Manchester United. Manchester United are still putting in a strong effort on both the club side, having already spoken with West Ham about Fernandes, and the player side through his agent. So United are still very much involved.”

On Tuesday, Schira provided an update claiming that Tottenham have now moved ahead of Manchester United in the pursuit of Fernandes from West Ham.

He reported that Tottenham are advancing negotiations for Fernandes, who has agreed in principle to a deal running until 2031 with an option for a further year until 2032. Tottenham are now in active talks with West Ham to finalise the transfer, overtaking Manchester United, who remain interested.

Spanish outlet AS also reported that Real Madrid have ended their interest in signing Fernandes, as the player himself is said to prefer a move to Tottenham this summer.

Instead, Real Madrid have reportedly begun negotiations to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez as they look to strengthen their squad under Jose Mourinho’s guidance.

Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has suggested that Germany international Felix Nmecha could represent a more affordable alternative for the Red Devils if they fail to sign Fernandes.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Neville said: “The more he plays like he did the other night, the higher his price will climb.

“At the moment, we’re hearing that Manchester United are being quoted £100 million for West Ham’s Fernandes, so they’ll have to keep an eye on other talents across this tournament and Europe.

“He looked outstanding the other night — it seemed like he had absolutely everything.”