West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes is reportedly keen on a move to Manchester United ahead of reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The Athletic’s Andy Mitten revealed the player’s preference during the latest episode of the Talk of the Devils podcast on YouTube.

Fernandes has attracted significant attention following an impressive season at West Ham, with the young Portugal international widely expected to secure a big move.

The Independent reported on positive talks between Fernandes and Tottenham over a potential £85m transfer, which had placed Spurs firmly in the picture.

However, Mitten’s comments suggest the midfielder’s heart is set elsewhere, putting Manchester United in a strong position if they can match the financial demands.

“I’m told that he would play for Spurs, but he’d prefer Manchester United,” Mitten said, making the 21-year-old’s preference clear.

Mitten also noted the financial complexity of any deal, adding: “It boils down to how much Manchester United are willing to pay, if the club want to pay that amount. They certainly don’t want to get into an auction situation.”

West Ham would benefit from a bidding war between the two clubs, as the funds raised could help them rebuild their squad for a Premier League promotion push.

The contrasting fortunes of both clubs during the 2025/26 season make Fernandes’ preference entirely understandable from a footballing perspective.

Tottenham only narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of the season, recording a second consecutive 17th-place finish in the Premier League.

United, by contrast, will be competing in the Champions League next season after finishing third, offering Fernandes elite European football that Spurs simply cannot provide.

Michael Carrick has been credited with turning Manchester United’s fortunes around, giving the club genuine momentum heading into the new campaign.

For a player of Fernandes’ quality and ambition, joining a club trending upward in the Champions League is a far more attractive proposition than one fighting for top-flight survival.

Whether United can agree on a fee that satisfies West Ham without entering a costly auction remains the key obstacle standing between Fernandes and his preferred destination.

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