Tottenham transfer news: Spurs to rival Manchester United for Bruno Fernandes
Spurs have been in negotiations for Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso all summer but Sporting’s Fernandes has emerged as a viable alternative
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tottenham Hotspur have turned to Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes as an alternative to Real Betis' Giovani Lo Celso.
The north London club are determined to add to their squad ahead of this month’s transfer deadline and have been in negotiations with Betis since the start of the summer.
Spurs had a bid of around £52m rejected for the Argentina international and have so far baulked at triggering the Argentina international’s £88m release clause.
That has led them to look elsewhere with Sporting’s Fernandes seen as a viable alternative.
Fernandes is also a target of Manchester United but The Independent understands that, despite significant interest, the club have not made an offer for the 24-year-old.
Spurs meanwhile made enquiries into Fernandes’ availability at the start of the window and are now prepared to firm up their interest in Portugal international.
Last month, Spurs broke their transfer record to sign Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele for £53.8m. On the same day, they also completed the signing of Jack Clarke from Leeds United, who was immediately loaned back to the Championship side for the 2019/20 season.
However they have not added to their squad since then, despite the departures of Kieran Trippier and Vincent Janssen. Free agent Fernando Llorente is meanwhile yet to agree to any kind of contract extension.
Tottenham’s failure to add to their squad since the arrival of Ndombele has led to a series of tetchy press conferences from manager Mauricio Pochettino, who recently insisted that he is “not in charge” of transfers and believes his job title should be changed back from manager to coach.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments