Tottenham have accelerated their pursuit of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes following a failed attempt to sign Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The 21-year-old Portugal international has emerged as a primary transfer target for Spurs, with talks between the clubs understood to be progressing positively.
Sources indicate that Tottenham are optimistic a deal can be reached for Fernandes, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Paris St-Germain.
West Ham are believed to be holding out for around £80m for the young midfielder, setting up what could be a significant summer outlay for Spurs.
Tottenham had a bid for Tonali rejected by Newcastle last week, with the offer understood to be worth approximately £80m for the Italy international.
Spurs boss Roberto de Zerbi is a long-time admirer of his compatriot Tonali, and the club have been exploring the financial viability of a deal for the 26-year-old.
However, Tonali has four years remaining on his contract at Newcastle, having signed a new deal to repay the faith the club showed during his 10-month betting ban.
The midfielder was suspended after breaching the Football Association’s betting rules, but has since established himself as a key figure at St James’ Park.
Despite the setback over Tonali, Tottenham have made a strong start to their summer recruitment, having already signed four players ahead of the new season.
Earlier on Wednesday, the club agreed terms with goalkeeper Martin Dubravka, who will join on a free transfer when his contract with Burnley expires on 1 July.
The 37-year-old Slovakian international provides further defensive cover for De Zerbi’s squad as Spurs continue to reshape their roster this window.
Dubravka follows Marcos Senesi, Andy Robertson and Jan Paul van Hecke through the door at Spurs, with Robertson arriving on a free from Liverpool and Senesi from Bournemouth on similar terms.
Netherlands defender Van Hecke represented the club’s biggest outlay so far, costing £52m from Brighton as Tottenham push to build a competitive squad.
