Tottenham are ‘confident’ that they can complete the signing of Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes this month, according to The Guardian.
West Ham had appeared to have agreed a deal to sign the Portugal international on an 18-month loan deal, as reported earlier this week by Sky Sports, with the Hammers looking for January reinforcements as they drift dangerously close to the relegation zone.
Mail Online threw a spanner in the works earlier on Saturday, reporting that Tottenham had entered the race late to sign the 21-year old, with Jose Mourinho wanting another midfielder following the long-term injury to Moussa Sissoko.
However The Guardian are now reporting that Spurs have moved ahead of the Hammers, with Mourinho’s side now confident that they can secure a loan deal for the midfielder.
Read West Ham Verdict
Losing out to Tottenham would be a hammer blow (no pun intended) for the Hammers as they had looked to have signed an extremely promising player. The Guardian describe Fernandes as a versatile midfielder who can play both in the middle and on the right, and having been described as ‘the latest gem from Benfica’s academy‘, it would stand to reason that fans may have got excited by the prospect of landing Fernandes.
Tottenham would likely have more pull than the Hammers, both financially and considering their position in the Premier League table, with Mourinho also considered to be a more prestigious coach to play for than David Moyes. The Guardian also claim that Fernandes has recently aligned himself with super-agent Jorge Mendes, who has previously worked with Mourinho, which could be an element that works in the North London club’s favour.
Should Tottenham close in on Fernandes West Ham could instead look at players who currently playing at a good level and showing that they are ready to produce in the Premier League this month and beyond, as Fernandes’ lack of experience at the top level does potentially limit what he can provide in the immediate future anyway.
