Tottenham Hotspur are fast becoming Manchester United’s biggest nuisance in the summer transfer window.
Just as the Red Devils were closing in on Mateus Fernandes, the north London outfit launched a late hijacking bid—reportedly encouraged by new manager Roberto De Zerbi. Eager to outmaneuver United, Spurs are now said to be preparing to match West Ham’s hefty valuation while also putting together a lucrative wage offer.
INEOS had been counting on the Portuguese midfielder’s eagerness to link up with compatriot Bruno Fernandes as leverage to secure a deal below the Hammers’ asking price. Whether that strategy now forces United to raise their bid is uncertain.
But Fernandes isn’t the only West Ham star drawing Spurs’ attention. As previously covered by The Peoples Person, Crysencio Summerville is also on United’s wishlist—and, predictably, Tottenham are circling for a potential hijack once again.
Their ambition doesn’t stop there. The Lilywhites are now casting glances toward Old Trafford itself.
It’s no secret that United are keen to offload Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis. Barcelona passed on triggering their £26 million buy option, leaving INEOS hoping to recoup around £40 million from the out-of-favour forward’s departure—with several clubs now monitoring the situation.
The co-owners would ideally avoid selling to a direct Premier League rival, which is why they had pinned hopes on foreign suitors like Bayern Munich or Galatasaray stepping in. While the Bundesliga giants admire Rashford, they balk at his enormous £325,000-per-week wages—a stumbling block for most interested parties.
Enter Tottenham. According to The Sun, Spurs are prepared to cover Rashford’s salary in full, a move that could sway the 28-year-old’s decision.
“They have also had a bid rejected for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and been linked with Marcus Rashford,” the report states. “Rashford’s salary at United will increase to £325,000-a-week next month and it has been suggested that Tottenham would meet his wage demands.”
Rashford had previously favoured a move abroad, but if Spurs match his current earnings, a switch across the Premier League could become increasingly appealing.
Whether Tottenham ultimately meet United’s £40 million valuation remains to be seen. Should the forward push for the move, they may attempt to negotiate a reduced fee—leaving INEOS with a difficult decision.
