Manchester United are not giving up on Mateus Ferandes despite Tottenham making progress towards a deal for the midfielder.
It has been widely reported that Tottenham’s talks with West Ham over a deal for Fernandes are progressing rapidly after the Portugal international gave the green light to join the Lilywhites.
However, Roberto De Zerbi’s men continue to face competition from one of the Premier League’s biggest clubs for the 21-year-old.
Some sources have said over the last couple of days that Man United remain confident they can win the race for Fernandes, having held extensive talks with the player.
Mateus Fernandes prefers Man United move over Tottenham
The Athletic’s Andy Mitten has now claimed that while the West Ham man is ready to play for Spurs, his preference is to move to Old Trafford.
The journalist explained that it may come down to who wants to offer more, explaining that the Red Devils are reluctant to get into a bidding war for the former Southampton man.
Mitten said in the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast on YouTube: “I’m told that he would play for Spurs, but he’d prefer Manchester United. It boils down to how much Manchester United are willing to pay. if the club want to pay that amount. They certainly don’t want to get into an auction situation.”
Man United not willing to match Spurs’ offer for Fernandes
Earlier this week, it was reported by TEAMtalk that Tottenham are willing to offer £85m, including add-ons, for Fernandes, with £65m of that being upfront.
The outlet explained that Man United have not shown as much willingness to meet the Hammers’ asking price for Fernandes as the Lilywhites have.
The report also claimed that the North Londoners are offering the player substantially higher wages than the Red Devils. It thus appears that Roberto De Zerbi’s men hold the upper hand for now.