Mateus Fernandes has reportedly reached an agreement to join Tottenham Hotspur, but his preference remains a move to Manchester United this summer, according to sources close to the situation.
Fernandes' agent, Jorge Mendes, is believed to be influencing the player's decision, with West Ham United demanding a high fee of £80m for the 20-year-old Southampton product. However, United are reluctant to meet this valuation, sparking a potential auction situation.
West Ham's £80m valuation is significantly higher than the £38m plus £4m in add-ons that Southampton received when signing Fernandes last year. The situation has left some Manchester United fans frustrated, but sources within the club believe that the valuation will be a deciding factor in any potential deal.
United's CEO, Omar Berrada, has stated that the club will be disciplined in their negotiations and will not let agents or the market dictate their spending. This approach may lead to a delay in securing Fernandes' signature, but the club is prepared for any eventuality and may look to capitalize on an opportunity that arises later in the window.
The situation is reminiscent of the Bryan Mbeumo saga, where fans were left frustrated by the delay in securing the player's signature. However, sources close to the situation believe that United's approach is a smart negotiation tactic that will ultimately lead to a successful signing.
