Tottenham is reportedly looking to compete with Manchester United for the signature of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, according to sources speaking to ESPN.
Spurs are implementing an ambitious summer recruitment plan to support head coach Roberto De Zerbi after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last season.
On Wednesday, goalkeeper Martin Dúbravka became their fourth signing of the transfer window, following the acquisition of Jan Paul van Hecke, Marcos Senesi, and Andy Robertson. Tottenham is also planning to submit an enhanced bid for Sandro Tonali after Newcastle turned down an offer of approximately £75 million ($99 million).
Sources indicate that United is currently negotiating with West Ham regarding Fernandes, but Tottenham has recently intensified its pursuit and is prepared to offer a more substantial transfer fee than Manchester United.
West Ham is reportedly looking for a fee of around £80 million, and a bidding war could potentially increase that price.
Despite being relegated to the Championship, the Hammers are not under immediate financial pressure to offload players.
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Fernandes made the switch to West Ham from Southampton last summer for an initial £38 million, which includes a clause that grants Southampton 15% of any future transfer fee.
The 21-year-old midfielder netted four goals and provided four assists in 38 appearances last season.