Manchester United look set to miss out on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but they do have alternative options lined up.

The Red Devils have been heavily focusing on bringing in new midfielders in the summer transfer window, but their pursuit of Fernandes appears to be coming to an end.

According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Tottenham have now beaten Manchester United in the race for Fernandes, paying a fee of around £85m with no add-ons.

It’s back to the drawing board for the Red Devils, who stood firm in the fact that they didn’t want to overpay for the Portuguese midfielder.

It’s undoubtedly a smart signing for Spurs, and United now need to explore alternative targets.

Man Utd Exploring Fernandes Alternatives

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With Manchester United set to miss out on Fernandes, they do have a list of alternatives to reinforce their midfield in the summer transfer window.

According to a report from The Athletic, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton is another target for the Red Devils, with signing a midfielder their clear focus.

Reports have suggested that Wharton could cost in the region of £100m, more than what Spurs are expected to pay for Fernandes.

The English midfielder, described as a ‘superstar’, has flourished since making the move to Crystal Palace from Blackburn Rovers, and it’s no surprise that Palace are looking to receive £100m for him.

Missing out on Fernandes is a blow for United, but it is a positive that they already have a list of alternative targets.

Manuel Ugarte Injury: Man Utd’s Transfer Plans

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte recently suffered what appeared to be a serious injury while at the World Cup with his country.

It was a crucial blow for the Red Devils, with United planning to offload him during the summer transfer window.

The Athletic’s Ornstein has confirmed that their midfielder recruitment plans remain unaffected after the injury. They will still be looking to sign at least two midfielders in the summer transfer window, and they have a list of targets they could aim for.

Wharton is among those who United are looking at, but it remains to be seen who they pursue after missing out on Fernandes.

Tottenham look set to secure the signature of West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, and they are now confident of signing another player.

It was confirmed by David Ornstein on Tuesday evening that Spurs have won the race ahead of Manchester United to sign Fernandes in the summer transfer window.

The North London club have offered in the region of £85m in guaranteed funds to secure his signature. He now looks set to make the move to Tottenham.

It’s already been a busy summer transfer window for Spurs, signing Jan-Paul Van Hecke, Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson to bolster their defensive options.

Tottenham don’t appear to be slowing down as they continue to work on deals in the market.

Tottenham Expect Another Signing

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According to a report from the BBC, it’s not just Fernandes who could be making the move to Tottenham in the summer transfer window.

It’s claimed that Spurs are advancing in their efforts to sign Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali, and they are growing in confidence that they can secure his signature.

That is despite Tottenham facing competition for his signature, with reports suggesting that Manchester City would match their contract offer for the Italian midfielder.

Spurs have already reportedly agreed personal terms with the Newcastle man, and it’s just about agreeing a fee with the North East club.

It appears that Tottenham are still in the market for Tonali despite already securing a midfielder in Fernandes, as they look to overhaul their squad in the summer transfer window.

Double midfield signing could lead to exits

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Strengthening in the middle of the park is a huge priority for Tottenham in the summer transfer window, but it is likely to lead to players leaving the club.

If Fernandes and Tonali, described as ‘elite’ players, both arrive and are set to become guaranteed starters, that puts Spurs in a tricky position with some of their other players.

The likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, among others, could find it difficult to break into the side.

Bergvall has already informed Tottenham that he wishes to leave the club as he searches for a new opportunity, knowing that Spurs are pushing to bring in new midfielders.

The basketball world was left in a state of shock on Tuesday, as just hours before the 2026 NBA free agency market opened, news broke that LeBron James would be ending his eight-year stay with the Los Angeles Lakers.

ESPN reporter Shams Charania was the one to break the news that the 41-year-old star would be returning for a 24th season in the league, but not in the iconic purple and gold stripes.

James had to first decide whether he wanted to continue his career, before settling on the major decision to leave the Lakers. In his eight seasons with the franchise, James helped deliver an NBA championship in 2020, as he was crowned NBA Finals MVP after a 4–2 series win over the Miami Heat.

There had been rumours prior to the start of this year’s free agency window that James would potentially be moving on from the Lakers. Now that this is a reality, the NBA icon and future Hall of Famer is set to engage with interested teams around the league alongside his agent, Rich Paul, and ensure he picks the right move for the final stages of his glittering professional career.

While no team is thought to be a current frontrunner for James’ signature, recent talk has suggested that the four-time NBA champion and four-time MVP could make a blockbuster move to the Golden State Warriors. This potential switch would see him link up with fellow NBA superstar Steph Curry.

The rumours of a move to the Bay Area intensified a day prior to yesterday’s big breaking news, as it was confirmed that Draymond Green would be declining his player option with the Warriors, in turn saving the franchise $27.7m.

Green’s decision means it is now plausible for the Warriors to go after both James, and his former Lakers teammate that he won the 2020 championship alongside, Anthony Davis, who is currently with the Dallas Mavericks.

Why LeBron James is Leaving Los Angeles Lakers

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Some may be surprised that James has taken the decision to move on from the Lakers considering that Los Angeles is among the biggest sports markets in the United States, and the 41-year-old would want stability for himself and his family at this late stage in his career.

According to Charania, the player’s decision is based on searching for satisfaction at this stage in his career and that is not believed to be possible at his home of the last eight seasons. Also, money is not going to be a factor in the decision he eventually makes.

“I’m told this is a happiness-led decision for LeBron James,” Charania stated in an appearance on SportsCenter on Tuesday. “He feels like he needs to find his happiness elsewhere.”

Additionally, Charania mentioned the Lakers’ decision to build their team around young star Austin Reaves and superstar Luka Doncic for the future left James knowing he was better off elsewhere from next season.

With James searching for happiness at this stage in his career, a move to play in Golden State may make sense. Playing for a franchise that has been successful in modern times and alongside the greatest shooter to ever play basketball in Curry, would give James a chance to enjoy the final moments of his career.

If a switch to the Warriors is not on the cards, James could be tempted by a third spell with the Cleveland Cavaliers, as a move back to the franchise that helped him launch his NBA career way back in 2003 would bring his career full circle.

Despite not being as dominant as he once was, James still proved he has much to offer on the court as he averaged 20.9 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the 2025/26 regular season, so plenty of teams could do with his talents next season.