The Mirror

'I snubbed Man Utd for Tottenham just like Mateus Fernandes - I massively regret it'

Mateus Fernandes has joined Tottenham from West Ham in an £85million deal, despite being pursued by Manchester United

Paul Gascoigne has repeatedly voiced his regret about choosing Tottenham over Manchester United for financial reasons. Gascoigne was among the most exciting talents in English football when Sir Alex Ferguson expressed interest in signing the midfielder in 1988.

The England icon was set to join the Red Devils from Newcastle, but a last-minute change of heart, influenced by the more lucrative financial offer from Spurs, led to a U-turn, with 'Gazza' turning down United.

A whopping 38 years on, West Ham's Mateus Fernandes has seemingly followed suit. The midfielder was one of United's priority transfer targets this summer, having held extensive talks with club officials in recent weeks, only to join the north Londoners in an £85million deal.

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Fernandes' decision raised eyebrows, considering the Old Trafford club secured Champions League qualification last season while Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League. It is reported that the Portuguese, like Gascoigne, opted for the superior financial package, although reports indicate United were also reluctant to match the £85m sum Spurs were prepared to pay upfront.

Yet, if Fernandes was driven by financial gain, Gascoigne's story serves as a stark warning, given that the former England midfielder has repeatedly stated that snubbing United in 1988 remains his greatest footballing regret. The 59-year-old admitted years later that, if it were possible to turn back the clock, he would have done things differently to achieve sporting success under Sir Alex.

Gascoigne said on The Rest is Football podcast: "Sir Alex Ferguson called us and said, 'I want to sign you' and I went, 'OK, I'll sign' so I went on holiday and he said, 'When you come back from holiday will you be at Old Trafford' and I said, 'Yeah', so I told my dad, 'I'm going to Old Trafford' and he said, 'Brilliant' then two days later the phone went and it was Irving Scholar (former Tottenham chairman)."

He explained that the promise of a bonus for his father swayed both Gascoignes towards White Hart Lane. He added: "I said, 'Dad, it's Tottenham', and he said, 'Tell them to f**** off, you're singing for Man United', so I said, 'F**** off, I'm signing for Man United', so Irving says, 'Tell your dad I'll give him £120,000', so I said, 'Dad they're going to give you £120,000 if I sign for Tottenham' and he went, 'What are you waiting for then son?'"

In a startling revelation, Gascoigne then revealed how it wasn't just financial incentive that clinched the deal but the promise of gifts for his family - including a sunbed.

He said: "I went, 'Oh yeah, I think I'm about to sign for Tottenham'. He (his dad) hadn't moved off the chair and he said, 'I want a BMW soft top with a private reg', so I rang Irving back and said, 'Can me dad have that?' and he said, 'Oh yeah, consider it done'.

"So I passed Old Trafford on the way (to Spurs), and I was worried but then as I got close I rang my sister and she said, 'Paul, if my mum is getting a house and dad's getting a car, then I want a sunbed', so the deal was done on the sunbed."

Gascoigne went on to become a legend at Spurs, lifting the FA Cup in 1991. But the England hero still feels he would have been better served playing his best football for United - something he still deeply regrets.

He said in 2015: "Sometimes I do look back and think what would have been if… would I have won all those trophies. When I signed for Spurs, Man United became great, and they started winning everything. I look at that, and it's probably one of the regrets I have."

Sir Alex has also admitted that not signing Gazza was the biggest disappointment of his managerial career. That's despite the Scot's initial fury at the player's decision, having refused to speak to him for a significant period afterwards before patching things up.

Gascoigne recalled: "I went and signed for Spurs, and then I got fan mail. The first letter was from Sir Alex Ferguson. It wasn't a good letter. I got caned. I was like [to myself], 'I can't believe you turned down the biggest club.'"

Harry Kane is at the top of his game right now after hitting five goals in England's first four World Cup matches in the USA

Joe Cole believes Harry Kane is getting more respect because he is no longer playing for Tottenham Hotspur. Kane, 32, scored a fantastic brace to save England from World Cup humiliation against DR Congo.

The Three Lions' skipper took his tournament tally to five goals, just one behind Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe. Kane's goal-scoring follows another breath-taking campaign for Bayern Munich, which saw him contribute 61 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances.

The striker has since been tipped to win the Ballon d'Or at the end of the year with his performances. Cole, albeit speaking tongue in cheek, believes Kane is getting more respect because he is also playing for Bayern Munich instead of Tottenham.

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Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, when asked if the world is opening their eyes up to Kane's quality, Cole said: "Do you know what? That's the problem with us [England], it ain't till he's gone to Germany and smashed it.

"Germans have gone 'wow' that he's getting his flowers now because he's been, arguably... I'm blaming Tottenham. I blame 'em for most things, but we've not ever appreciated him until now and he's standing on the shoulders of everyone."

At Tottenham, Kane helped himself to 280 goals and 63 assists in 435 appearances for the north Londoners. While he did compete in the 2019 Champions League final, he left Spurs without winning a major trophy.

Kane is on the verge of besting his best World Cup tally, the six goals he scored in the 2018 World Cup. However, the striker insists England's progress will be about everybody making a vital contribution of their own, no matter what form he is in.

After the win, Kane said: "It feels amazing to be honest. What a crazy game. First and foremost we were playing against a tough team, an organised team.

"We went behind but after the first hydration break we upped the level and looked good. Their keeper made some unbelievable saves.

"It was about keep pounding and our moment will come. We spoke about people having hero moments, whether it is me, a save from Pickford, a block from the defenders, whoever it is."

Kane will need to take that form into Monday, when the Three Lions step into the sky-high cauldron that is the, quite literally, breath-taking Azteca Stadium. They will be up against a Mexico side, who have won all four games without conceding a goal, and will also be cheered on by 87,000 home supporters.

Reason why Arsenal rejected Sandro Tonali transfer as Tottenham close in on enormous deal

Newcastle United have agreed to sell Sandro Tonali for £100million this summer after missing out on Champions League qualification last season by finishing 12th in the Premier League

Arsenal reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Sandro Tonali before Tottenham Hotspur sealed a £100million agreement with Newcastle United. Tonali, 26, is set to become the second player to shatter Spurs' transfer record during this summer window, with Matheus Fernandes also expected to arrive from West Ham United for £85million.

The Gunners had also shown interest in the Portugal international. This means two of the most sought-after Premier League midfielders on the market during this summer transfer window are now heading to north London.

The duo will help transform the Spurs' midfield, with a revamped side expected next season. Tonali, however, could have ended up at the Emirates Stadium.

ChronicleLive reports that his agent Giuseppe Riso offered the Italy international to Arsenal. Yet the Gunners are said to have rejected that chance because they considered his salary expectations excessive.

Tonali is understood to be set to receive £275,000 per week at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a six-year deal. Riso also supposedly requested a 10% agent fee.

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Riso discussed his client's availability candidly ahead of this summer's transfer window opening. He said in March: "Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he's the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

Spurs will pay an initial £92.5million, with £7.5million in add-ons dependent on Champions League qualification. Them improving their initial £80million offer by around £20million sealed the deal with Newcastle.

Arsenal are also believed to be in the running to sign Bruno Guimaraes. The Gunners' interest in the Brazil international is said to stretch back to 2020, when the midfielder was still playing for Atletico Paranaense in his home country.

Newcastle, however, have already recouped £80million from Anthony Gordon's sale this summer. With a further £100million set to follow from the Tonali deal, they appear even less inclined to lose their club captain.

Their chief executive, David Hopkinson, addressed the prospect of players departing three months ago, stating: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an [Alexander] Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms. And we're going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes has left West Ham to complete a permanent move to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur following the Hammers' relegation to the Championship

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed the signing of Mateus Fernandes on a permanent deal from West Ham United. The move sees Spurs beat Manchester United to the Portugal international's signature, who had been heavily linked with a move away from the London Stadium.

Fernandes becomes the fifth new signing for Tottenham this summer as Roberto De Zerbi continues his plans for the new Premier League season. Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Martin Dubravka and Jan Paul van Hecke have all been signed by Spurs.

Reports emerged earlier this week claiming that Spurs had agreed a £85million deal to sign Fernandes. In doing so, they moved ahead of Man United in their battle to sign the playmaker. On the move, Fernandes said: "I'm very excited for this next step. Spurs is a massive club, and the head coach was a key part of why I have decided to join. When we spoke, it was very special.

"We look at football in the same way - going onto the pitch as a strong team, with fight and energy, to try and win every game. I can't wait to get started, to meet the fans, to meet everyone, and give everything for the club."

While De Zerbi, said: "I've admired Mateus for a long time because he combines quality on the ball with the intensity and intelligence that are so important in the way we want to play.

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"Despite his age, he already has good experience in the Premier League and has shown quality and consistency at this level. Mateus is comfortable under pressure, can progress the ball, works hard for the team and has the courage to make things happen in difficult moments. I believe this is the ideal environment for him to continue his development and I'm excited to start working with him."

Fernandes scored four goals across 38 appearances for West Ham last season. However, they were relegated from the Premier League. The 21-year-old spent just one season with the Hammers following his £40million move from Southampton 12 months ago and has now completed a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham do not have long to wait before they are back in pre-season action as they prepare for the new campaign. De Zerbi and Co. will travel to Australia and New Zealand, where they will have friendlies against Sydney FC, Auckland FC and Chelsea.

That will all be the build-up to the Premier League opener against Brentford on August 22 as Spurs travel to the Gtech Community Stadium looking to secure all three points. It now remains to be seen which other players Tottenham could look to sign before the summer transfer window closes, with a host of names already linked with moves to north London.

It now remains to be seen which other players Tottenham could look to sign before the summer transfer window closes, with a host of names already linked with moves to north London. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali and Manchester City forward Savinho have both been mentioned as potential targets for Tottenham during this summer’s transfer window.

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The deal between Tottenham and Newcastle for Sandro Tonali will be a club-record transfer for the North London club, who are enjoying a busy summer

Tottenham Hotspur have reached an agreement to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £100million. The Athletic is reporting that a deal between both clubs has been struck that will see Spurs pay an initial £92.5m for Tonali, with an additional £7.5m in proposed add-ons based on multiple Champions League qualifications.

The Magpies have already rejected two bids from Tottenham for the Italy international after stepping up their pursuit late last month by initiating club-to-club contact. Personal terms between Tonali and Spurs were never expected to be a problem.

Tonali was identified as a top target for Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi as he looks to rebuild his squad after helping the club avoid relegation from the Premier League. Arsenal have also been linked with a move for the midfielder, who signed for Newcastle from AC Milan for £55m three years ago. However, the midfielder now looks set to move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after Spurs turned their attention to him after reaching an agreement with West Ham for the £85million transfer of Mateus Fernandes. Fernandes is set to complete a medical at Spurs’ Hotspur Way training ground today after they won the race to sign the 21-year-old ahead of Manchester United on Tuesday evening. But the deal for Tonali will eclipse the previous club-record package worth a guaranteed £85m that secured the services of Fernandes.

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It has so far been a busy summer for Spurs, with Martin Dubravka, Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi all arriving on free transfers. While £52m was spent on Jan Paul van Hecke, who joined from Brighton & Hove Albion.

When asked about a possible deal last month, former Newcastle forward Alan Shearer believes there were two reasons why Tonali wanted to move to North London. He told Betfair: "Tottenham just avoided relegation. I get the attraction of London but going to Spurs who have finished so low over the last two years would be a surprise career move for Tonali in my eyes.

“But I'm not surprised if it's true that he's made an indication that he wants to leave Newcastle. Again, if he doesn't want to be there, you put the price you want and if someone wants to pay it, and it looks as if it'll have to be three figures, then you say thank you very much, get the £100million plus and you move on.

"I know Spurs have a new manager and that may be a pull for him, London obviously. But in terms of the football club, look where they have finished the last two years."

Tonali's agent, Giuseppe Riso, was asked about a possible exit from Tyneside in March, and he said: “Exactly, that was the goal from the moment he went to England – to try to make him a star player. I think he’s the Italian footballer with one of the highest values in the world.

"The deal came about because a club like Newcastle, with unlimited financial resources, had decided to invest in Sandro. We considered the idea of having the player play in a higher-level league."

When asked if Newcastle would sell Tonali this summer, CEO David Hopkinson said three months ago: "We think through what players might or might not want to do this summer.

"But if an Isak-like scenario presents itself again, any player under contract is going to leave on our terms and we’re going to maximise the opportunity that might represent for the club."

Tottenham Hotspur have agreed a deal worth around £85million to sign Mateus Fernandes from West Ham, beating off interest from Manchester United in the Portugal star

Tottenham Hotspur battled fiercely to land Mateus Fernandes from West Ham despite strong interest from Manchester United.

United were also in pursuit of the 21 year old midfielder's signature as they attempt to enhance their playing squad ahead of the new season, but Johan Lange, Tottenham's sporting director, emerged triumphant and has made a real statement of intent ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

Football.london reports that Spurs topped the Manchester United's offer for Fernandes, striking an agreement with the Hammers on a deal worth £85million. Manchester United pressed hard to land the former Southampton man, who is now poised to pen a long-term contract in north London, but withdrew their offer when the financial demands surpassed their valuation.

It is understood that the Red Devils are only interested in recruiting players who are fully committed to the Old Trafford project, and the Portugal international kept the door ajar to Tottenham throughout negotiations. In recent years, Manchester United have made a conscious effort to exercise patience and acquire the right player at the right price.

OPINION

Therefore, when Lange delved a little deeper into his resources and increased his offer, the Red Devils decided to walk away. West Ham have subsequently granted Fernandes permission to complete a medical ahead of a prospective switch to north London.

The playmaker is now poised to become Tottenham's fifth capture of the summer, joining Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke, and Martin Dúbravka.

And Spurs have no intention of easing up, either, with Roberto De Zerbi keen to land further additions.

Addressing journalists on the final day of the campaign, after a victory over Everton which confirmed a Premier League berth, the Italian turned heads when he hinted that half of the side he inherited could face the chop.

De Zerbi said: "From tonight, we have to start to organise and to build a new team. I think we have now to change too many players. We have 10, 11, 12 players good enough to stay. Good enough. Like players. Especially like people. And then we have to complete the squad with the first level of players."

Despite being on the verge of completing the Fernandes transfer, Sandro Tonali remains linked with a switch to Tottenham.

It's understood that Spurs have held discussions regarding the Newcastle United midfielder, though they're facing stiff competition in the battle for his signature as well.

A first-team star has left Tottenham along with 11 other players

Tottenham Hotspur officially parted ways with 12 players today. The club have been gearing up for the new campaign after narrowly avoiding the drop last season.

Robert De Zerbi, Spurs' third manager of the season, steered the Lilywhites to 17th place in the Premier League, finishing just two points above 18th-place West Ham.

De Zerbi has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the squad, influencing transfers while overseeing a major clear-out. A whopping 12 players have left, with June 30 marking the final day of the 2025/26 season.

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July 1 is recognised as the official start of the new football season, when new signings can be formally registered. Players whose deals run out on June 30 become free agents on July 1, enabling them to join a new club without any contractual complications.

The most notable departure is Yves Bissouma, who was confirmed to be leaving by the club rather unceremoniously last month, having not been offered a new contract.

"We can confirm the departure of Yves Bissouma following the conclusion of his contract," the post on X read. "Thank you for your service and all the best for the future, Biss."

That's despite the Mali international making 111 appearances during his time at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bissouma arrived at Spurs from Brighton in the summer of 2022 for a £30million fee.

A series of knee and ankle problems prevented Bissouma from appearing for Spurs throughout the entire first half of last season. He had to wait until January 17 to make his first appearance of the campaign, which resulted in a 2-1 loss to West Ham.

Bissouma went on to feature just 11 times for Tottenham across the rest of the season, and was an unused substitute in the final three Premier League matches of the campaign.

Elsewhere, on June 26, Brazilian side Bahia announced the signing of Alejo Veliz on a permanent deal from Tottenham, with the move officially taking effect on July 1. The Argentine completed a £7.7m transfer following his season-long loan at Rosario Central.

A further 10 players from Spurs' academy have also left the club. Under-21 players Pele Arganese-McDermott, Tyrell Ashcroft, Leo Black, Dante Cassanova, Matthew Craig and Calum Logan have all left north London following the expiry of their contracts.

Four players from the Under-18s have also departed, including Elijah Upson, who rejected a contract offer from the club. Rounding off the long list of departures are Jamel Beggs, Samal Bangura and Leon Myrtaj.

Tottenham Hotspur are spending big in the summer transfer window after another 17th place league finish last season

Tottenham Hotspur have been given the go-ahead by three transfer targets worth nearly £250million as Roberto De Zerbi continues with his squad overhaul. Spurs barely escaped relegation to the Championship last term after securing 17th place in the Premier League for the second successive year.

That worrying downturn has prompted decision-makers at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to loosen the purse strings in a concerted effort to turn around the team's fortunes. De Zerbi, who steered Spurs to safety following his appointment to replace Igor Tudor in late March, has wasted no time putting his stamp on the squad.

The Lilywhites have already wrapped up four first-team additions this summer. The seasoned trio of Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka have joined on free transfers, with £52m spent on defender Jan Paul van Hecke in a Brighton reunion for De Zerbi.

That sum could easily climb past the £250m threshold in the weeks ahead as Spurs look to finalise at least three more high-profile acquisitions. Bolstering the centre of midfield seems to be De Zerbi's focus, with both Mateus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali high on Tottenham's shortlist.

An £85m deal for Fernandes, who suffered relegation with West Ham last season, has seen them beat Manchester United to his signature. Reports stated the Portuguese international is "very keen" on the move to north London, with Spurs getting the green light from him to make the move happen.

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The 21-year-old could find himself alongside Tonali in the midfield. The Newcastle United midfielder is understood to have already settled personal terms with Tottenham and is also eager to make the switch, though Spurs continue to haggle over a fee with the Magpies.

An initial £80m offer was knocked back earlier this summer, yet negotiations are believed to be progressing positively with both clubs edging closer to an agreement in the region of £100m. Spurs may yet face a battle for his signature from north London rivals Arsenal.

Nevertheless, the Gunners are thought to be directing their attention towards Tonali's Newcastle colleague Bruno Guimaraes, potentially leaving Spurs with a clearer path to securing the Italy international. Another name firmly on De Zerbi's radar is Savinho, who could depart Manchester City having managed just one league goal throughout last season.

The Brazilian winger is receptive to leaving the Etihad Stadium, with discussions understood to be advancing over a deal valued at around £60m. This leaves Spurs with three potential signings that could see them splash in excess of £240m, pushing their total summer expenditure towards the £300m mark.

Mateus Fernandes looks to be closing in on a move to Tottenham Hotspur over Manchester United.

Former Manchester United and West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham has claimed that United shouldn't feel too disheartened about losing out on Mateus Fernandes, arguing the midfielder isn't up to the standard the club needs. The Portugal international had been a priority target for United this summer, but now appears destined to join Tottenham.

Spurs have struck an £85 million agreement with West Ham for the deal. It's a fee that United were unwilling to meet, with the club now expected to pursue alternative options.

The development marks the latest setback in the hunt for midfield reinforcements this summer, with another target in Elliot Anderson on the verge of a £116 million switch to Manchester City. This has prompted speculation that the club might shift strategy in the transfer market and pursue cheaper, though less proven alternatives.

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Yet Sheringham seems to be advocating the opposite approach, urging United to chase elite talent regardless of the expense.

"Man Utd fans shouldn't be upset at missing out on Mateus Fernandes - he simply isn't good enough for the club," he told ComeOn.

"I wasn't so impressed with Mateus Fernandes at West Ham this year. A lot of West Ham fans think he'll go on to bigger and better things but the jury's still out for me on Fernandes.

"Manchester United need top players. They've already got enough decent players. They need to buy the top players or they will miss out again and again.

"It was the same with Harry Kane and Declan Rice a few years ago when the chance was there to go and sign them. United were nowhere in the market for them. Sir Alex Ferguson wouldn't have let that happen.

"Sir Alex always brought in the top players and they came in and led by example, and you need those top players at a club like United otherwise you'll end up in the same situation.

"It's not about having good players. You want great players playing for Manchester United because it takes a lot to play for the club. So go out and break the bank for the top players and let them lead."

United are gearing up for a return to the Champions League in the 2026/27 campaign, following a third-place finish last term. It will mark their first involvement in the competition since the 2023/24 season.

Tottenham, meanwhile, are looking for a vast improvement on last season, when they survived relegation to the Championship on the final day.

Manchester United pushed hard to sign Mateus Fernandes but Tottenham are set to win the race for the West Ham midfielder after they agreed to pay a guaranteed fee of £85million

Tottenham have blown Manchester United out of the water by agreeing an £85million deal for Mateus Fernandes. Spurs offered the highest bid for Fernandes, 21, who's poised to make the move across London.

The Portuguese was among United's top targets for the summer transfer window, as Michael Carrick looks to rebuild his midfield. But Mirror Football understands that £85m is well above their valuation, paving the way for Tottenham to win the race.

Fernandes became United's priority after they pulled out of a move for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson. In similar circumstances, the Red Devils weren't willing to match the £116m bid which Manchester City have been successful with.

It leaves United scouring the market for an alternative, with midfield stalwart Casemiro leaving upon the expiry of his contract on Wednesday. Carrick's side have, though, agreed a £35m deal with Atalanta to sign holding midfielder Ederson.

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As for Tottenham, Fernandes is expected to become their fifth summer signing. Spurs have already wrapped up deals for Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi and Martin Dubravka - each one a free transfer - while they paid Brighton £52m for Jan Paul van Hecke.

Like United, Tottenham are now focussing on midfield. With Yves Bissouma due to leave when his contract expires and Joao Palhinha's loan having come to an end, there's now the possibility of another departure after Lucas Bergvall informed club chiefs that he wants a new challenge.

Roberto De Zerbi's men narrowly avoided relegation at West Ham's expense and have capitalised on the Irons needing to bring in funds. Jarrod Bowen is another West Ham star who several Premier League clubs are interested in.

Is Mateus Fernandes worth £85million? Have your say in the comments section.

The sale of Fernandes represents a huge profit for the Irons, who bought him from Southampton for £38m a year ago. Although he was unable to help West Ham avoid dropping to the Championship, the 21-year-old impressed with his consistent performances.

Fernandes scored four goals and registered four assists in 38 appearances across all competitions. He also made his debut for Portugal in April, although he missed out on Roberto Martinez's 26-man squad for the World Cup.