Fernandes future should become clearer with formal bid close

[Getty Images] Mateus Fernandes' future should become clearer over the next few days as Manchester United and Tottenham and battle it out to sign the West Ham midfielder. Fernandes was not intended to be part of the first lot of Hammers players that returns for pre-season training next Monday. However, it is anticipated a formal bid is close to being made which is likely to bring the situation to a head. Fernandes is understood to have an open mind about where he goes, with his agent Jorge Mendes speaking to both Premier League clubs. It is not thought there is an immediate need for West Ham to sell the player to comply with financial regulations, although manager Nuno Espirito Santo knows there will have to be departures following relegation to the Championship. Manchester United have been keen admirers of the 21-year-old and remain in talks with West Ham. However, it has appeared Spurs were more likely to reach the Hammers' asking price, thought to be about £80m. The priority at Old Trafford is strengthening the central midfield area and they have already agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta for Ederson, but his arrival has been delayed by a late call-up to the Brazil World Cup squad. United's players are due to return for pre-season training on 9 July and so far, other than out-of-contract duo Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia, Michael Carrick's squad remains as it was at the end of last season, with no significant departures or arrivals. The plan to sell Manuel Ugarte will now have to be shelved after his serious injury on World Cup duty with Uruguay. Meanwhile, striker Joshua Zirkzee is still at the club, and sources have dismissed rumours around the exit of midfielder Mason Mount.