West Ham worst-case scenario arises over Mateus Fernandes exit - Verdict

West Ham United are preparing for the departure of Mateus Fernandes this summer.

The Hammers were relegated on the final day of the season, despite a 3-0 win against Leeds United.

As a result, they are in line for sales, with Fernandes at the top of the departing list.

The midfielder joined the club from Southampton last summer, before enduring his second successive relegation.

Despite this, Fernandes stood out week in and week out, resulting in interest across the continent.

But, after the latest update, there is one outcome in which the Irons will be desperate to avoid.

History could repeat itself as Tottenham in for Mateus Fernandes

West Ham's rivalry with Tottenham is fierce, but the Lilywhites have continued to rub salt into Hammers wounds as of late.

Nuno Espirito Santo's side would secure a big away win in North London back in January, kickstarting a turnaround.

However, the East Londoners just did not have enough to get over the line, with a late-season surge from Spurs seeing them secure survival over their London rivals.

Now, history could be repeating itself, with David Ornstein reporting late on Thursday that Tottenham are among the suitors interested in Fernandes this summer.

A year on, history could be repeating itself, with Mohammed Kudus making the move from East to West London last summer.

The Irons will be desperate to avoid this, hoping that fellow suitors Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain step up their game.

Thus far, United have lodged serious interest, but seem reluctant to work with the £80million valuation currently set by West Ham.

Now, though, the Hammers have a reason to negotiate, thus avoiding a repeat another worst-case scenario of selling a key man to a fierce rival.

West Ham to face tricky decision with Fernandes departure

With West Ham needing to raise around £150m in player sales this summer, 21-year-old Fernandes would be the obvious choice to make upma large chunk of that.

With this in mind, they need to act quick, and work with potential clubs to get a deal over the line.

If this is not done, they may face a scenario in which they are drastically underprepared for the Championship.

The problem: the Hammers may have to work directly with Spurs, and based on their business thus far, Tottenham are not messing around under Roberto De Zerbi.

West Ham need a sale to kickstart their transfer window, but there is a nightmare scenario staring right at them, should Spurs be the first to try and get a move sorted.