Tottenham to blow Man United out of the water as key battle line named in Mateus Fernandes transfer

Tottenham Hotspur have seemingly stolen a march on Manchester United in the race for West Ham United ace Mateus Fernandes.

It appears a question of when, not if, the Portgual midfielder will seal his exit from the London Stadium this transfer window.

Signed from Southampton a year ago, Fernandes was one of the rare bright notes in a West Ham side that suffered relegation last season.

He scored three goals, provided four assists, and averaged at least one key pass per game in 36 Premier League appearances last term.

The Hammers need to recoup some cash through player sales after falling into the second tier, and with a reported £80million asking price, his exit would go a long way to helping that.

Man United and Spurs have been most prominently linked, but the Hammers' London rivals might now have stolen a march.

Why have Spurs jumped ahead of Man United in Mateus Fernandes race?

Over the past few weeks, it has been reported that the 21-year-old is favouring a move to Old Trafford.

However, the Red Devils have reportedly been reluctant to meet the Hammers' asking price.

Spurs have consequently put themselves in a strong position to win the race, and Ben Jacobs revealed that the Lilywhites are in advanced talks with Fernandes to complete a deal.

The Sun has now reported that Spurs are ready to blow Manchester United out of the water when it comes to the ages they can offer Fernandes.

The report from Samuel Luckhurst states how sources have stated Spurs, who only finished above West Ham by one spot last term, are going big on salaries this summer and are ready to offer more than the Red Devils.

Who else could leave West Ham this summer?

Fernandes, who has also been linked with Real Madrid this window, is not the only player in the Hammers' ranks said to be attracting interest.

Captain Jarrod Bowen is a big fans' favourite, and the Irons' faithful would dearly love him to remain at the club.

However, with the likes of Everton and Aston Villa reportedly circling, the England international might move on.

Crysencio Summerville is another drawing interest, something which has exacerbated by his impressing performances for Netherlands at the World Cup.

Man United, Arsenal, PSG, and Villa have all been linked with a move for the former Leeds United forward.