Manchester United may miss out on M. Fernandes if they refuse to pay £80 million; the player has not committed to only joining the Red Devils and is also open to moving to Tottenham.

The transfer of Matheus Fernandes has become a circus. United's stalling approach to landing M. Fernandes could now cost them the young Portuguese midfield prodigy, aged 21.

The club's hesitation is driven by two key factors: first, the belief that West Ham urgently needed to sell players before July to avoid financial breaches; second, the Red Devils' assumption that M. Fernandes would only want to join Old Trafford and would reject other clubs, similar to Mbemo and Sesko last year.

Unfortunately, neither condition now seems likely to hold. West Ham received an injection of funds from their owner, so while they still need to sell, there's no rush; and M. Fernandes, persuaded by his agent Jorge Mendes, no longer considers only a move to United.

Specifically, if Manchester United and Tottenham offer similar financial terms, the final decision will rest with M. Fernandes, who still prefers United. However, if United cannot convince West Ham to accept their bid and Tottenham puts forward a higher fee to sway the Hammers, M. Fernandes would also go to Spurs.

Manchester United can offer Champions League football and hope M. Fernandes will express a desire to join only them, like Mbemo rejecting Tottenham and Sesko turning down Newcastle. Tottenham, though without European competition, are ready to offer M. Fernandes higher wages and are prepared to meet West Ham's asking price.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed the shift in the player's stance. "M. Fernandes remains open to joining both Manchester United and Tottenham," Romano said. "The player himself says he would be happy to go to either club and won't cause any trouble for West Ham—he has no clear preference. Currently, both clubs are actively communicating with M. Fernandes' agent and West Ham. No formal bids have been made yet, but through verbal proposals and daily talks, a fierce bidding war is developing."

At this point, West Ham has successfully created a situation to drive up the price. M. Fernandes' transfer will depend on who offers more. Romano stated: "The key is which club can reach the best financial agreement with West Ham. The Hammers are asking for around £85 million, and the payment structure is also crucial. Since M. Fernandes is willing to accept an invitation from either club, the team that presents the most competitive offer to West Ham is likely to win the deal."

Reportedly, Manchester United are still reluctant to pay over £80 million. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Ineos management team insists the premium is too exaggerated and they are not prepared to accept such terms. Any potential transfer would depend on West Ham lowering their fee.

Unfortunately, that scenario is unlikely. West Ham has remained firm since May, refusing to reduce the price. Romano said: "West Ham has told M. Fernandes and his agent that they will sell to the highest bidder, even if it's just one penny more."

Reports from London indicate that Tottenham are willing to meet West Ham's £80 million asking price. If they offer that amount and United does not match, their efforts to sign M. Fernandes could end in failure.

According to the Daily Mail, if Manchester United miss out on M. Fernandes, Bournemouth's Alex Scott is believed to top their Plan B list. Ratcliffe hopes to secure a second new midfield signing for under £70 million. Uruguay international Ugarte's serious knee injury at the World Cup could also affect the club's summer transfer plans.

European football club boards typically set July 1 as the start of the new financial year. Therefore, the transfer market is expected to become active next week, as buyers can truly take action and make offers for players.