How Tottenham beat Man United to £85m Mateus Fernandes transfer after late twist

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Tottenham Hotspur battled fiercely to land Mateus Fernandes from West Ham despite strong interest from Manchester United .

United were also in pursuit of the 21 year old midfielder's signature as they attempt to enhance their playing squad ahead of the new season, but Johan Lange, Tottenham 's sporting director, emerged triumphant and has made a real statement of intent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Football.london reports that Spurs topped the Manchester United's offer for Fernandes, striking an agreement with the Hammers on a deal worth £85million . Manchester United pressed hard to land the former Southampton man, who is now poised to pen a long-term contract in north London, but withdrew their offer when the financial demands surpassed their valuation.

It is understood that the Red Devils are only interested in recruiting players who are fully committed to the Old Trafford project, and the Portugal international kept the door ajar to Tottenham throughout negotiations. In recent years, Manchester United have made a conscious effort to exercise patience and acquire the right player at the right price.

Therefore, when Lange delved a little deeper into his resources and increased his offer, the Red Devils decided to walk away. West Ham have subsequently granted Fernandes permission to complete a medical ahead of a prospective switch to north London.

The playmaker is now poised to become Tottenham's fifth capture of the summer, joining Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dúbravka.

And Spurs have no intention of easing up, either, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to land further additions.

Addressing journalists on the final day of the campaign, after a victory over Everton which confirmed a Premier League berth, the Italian turned heads when he hinted that half of the side he inherited could face the chop.

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De Zerbi said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players."

Despite being on the verge of completing the Fernandes transfer, Sandro Tonali remains linked with a switch to Tottenham.

It's understood that Spurs have held discussions regarding the Newcastle United midfielder, though they're facing stiff competition in the battle for his signature as well.