Mateus Fernandes is not expected to be part of the West Ham cohort of players that report for pre-season next Monday.
According to Simon Stone of BBC Sport, the youngster has set his sights on a return to the top flight by joining either Manchester United or Tottenham Hotspur, with his agent, Jorge Mendes, in talks with both sides.
A ‘formal bid’ is thought to be ‘close’, which will ‘bring the situation to a head’.
Should be some clarity soon over Mateus Fernandes situation. https://t.co/b5fA6H1or1
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) June 30, 2026
Mateus Fernandes: What’s the latest?
Spurs are the only side willing to meet West Ham’s £80 million valuation of Fernandes, whereas United would presumably try to pay a lower upfront fee while pledging more in add-ons.
The player himself has given no indication where he’d prefer to ply his trade next season, though only by making the switch to Old Trafford would he be able to add to his one Champions League appearance, earned with Sporting Lisbon.
United identify suitable Fernandes alternative amid Spurs interest
Should United fail in their attempts to sign Fernandes, they will turn their attention to Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, whom they believe is a like-for-like alternative.
The Cherries star may also be available for cheaper than his Portuguese counterpart, despite Bournemouth’s best efforts to agree a new contract and add a release clause to Scott’s deal this summer.
Elsewhere, United confirmed on Monday that Manuel Ugarte had suffered a serious knee ligament injury, so he will presumably miss the bulk of 2026/2027 after he’s had surgery and is on the road to recovery.
Ederson has already agreed a £39m switch from Atalanta to the Red Devils, but his medical was delayed after he received a late World Cup call-up to the Brazil camp.
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