What Mateus Fernandes sale means for West Ham transfer plans after medical update

Mateus Fernandes has taken a step closer to leaving West Ham United.

It was reported ealier this week that Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to take the Portugal midfielder to north London.

Spurs have agreed a reported £85million deal with the Hammers, who make a healthy profit on the £40m they paid Southampton a year ago.

West Ham's relegation from the Premier League meant exits were always likely this summer and Fernandes quickly emerged as a player who could move on.

Manchester United were also heavily linked with a move, but were reluctant to meet West Ham's asking price.

Now, Fernandes' move to West Ham's rivals, who stayed up at the expense of Nuno Espirito Santo's men, has seemingly moved a step closer.

Mateus Fernandes medical update emerges at Tottenham

It will be difficult for supporters to see Fernandes lining up in the shirt of one of West Ham's biggest rivals.

But there is little doubt that the profit made just makes sense from a financial standpoint as West Ham look to reshape their squad in the Championship.

Prominent journalist Fabrizio Romano has now stated that Fernandes has completed his medical at Hotspur Way, inching his transfer closer to completion.

Indeed, Romano says the £85m deal is "formally sealed", and it now appears just a matter of time before an official announcement is made.

How will West Ham use the Mateus Fernandes money?

The million dollar question is what the Fernandes sale means for West Ham's transfer plans moving forward.

There could yet be more exits on the horizon with Crysencio Summerville and captain Jarrod Bowen linked with moves elsewhere.

But the money from Fernandes' sale may be able to be reinvested elsewhere, as West Ham look to return to the Premier League.

One rumour that may exacerbate now is a move for Rennes' former Birmingham City midfield Jordan James, who spent time at Leicester City last season.

It might be that the Hammers look to flesh out other areas first, with centre-backs Dael Fry and CJ Egan-Riley of Middlesbrough and Marseille repsectively reportedly on the radar.

Forward areas too are being looked at, with Leicester City's Abdul Fatawu, and Fenerbahce winger Anthony Musaba having cropped up as players of interest.