Tottenham agree deal for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes after Man Utd refuse fee

Manchester United also explored a move for the 21-year-old midfielder, while Paris Saint-Germain registered interest, but United declined to match Tottenham's valuation.

Fernandes' representative, Jorge Mendes, held discussions with both clubs regarding his future. United's recruitment team maintained a strict policy of only pursuing players deemed correctly priced and also harboured reservations over the midfielder's commitment to a switch to Old Trafford, ultimately stepping away from negotiations.

Tottenham had initially prioritised midfield reinforcement after seeing an 80m-pound bid for Sandro Tonali rejected by Newcastle United.

Tonali remains under contract for four more years after signing an extension following a 10-month suspension for breaching FA betting regulations.

Spurs have enjoyed an active summer transfer window, completing four arrivals already. Goalkeeper Martin Dubravka will join on a free transfer once his Burnley contract expires on 1 July.

They have also secured Marcos Senesi from AFC Bournemouth on a free, Andy Robertson from Liverpool on a free, and Jan Paul van Hecke in a 52m-pound deal from Brighton.

Fernandes has remained a long-standing target despite successive Premier League relegations, with Spurs ultimately moving decisively to secure his signature. 

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