M Fee's transfer stance revealed: Man Utd his first choice, but Tottenham have swayed him. Man Utd's £60m plan falls through.

Matheus Fernandes' transfer situation has grown complex, but it's actually quite simple. Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano said: "The M Fee deal feels very clear. As I said last week, the club that provides the best financial offer to West Ham United will get him."

The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder was initially keen on joining Manchester United, yet now he appears not to be exclusively bound for Old Trafford. Romano added: "M Fee has opened the door to both Man Utd, who came first, and Tottenham, who arrived later. It now depends on negotiations between the clubs. West Ham's bottom line is £85 million, and the higher the price, the better."

Romano further explained that West Ham will sell M Fee to the highest bidder, with no preference for any particular club. Manchester United have been in talks with the player's agent for some time and remain in direct contact with West Ham, actively pushing the deal forward. However, Tottenham are also aggressively pursuing him. There are rumors that M Fee has already agreed terms with Spurs or that the Man Utd deal has collapsed, but these claims are untrue.

The situation remains unclear; the club offering the best overall package—including transfer fee and sporting project—is more likely to secure the deal. However, M Fee's personal preferences, such as contract terms and Champions League qualification, could also play a role.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs said: "Tottenham are in advanced talks with M Fee and are determined to compete with Manchester United. M Fee is currently one of Spurs' top targets. West Ham's asking price is between £80 million and £85 million, roughly double what they paid Southampton for him. A £90 million shareholder injection could put West Ham in a stronger bargaining position."

Jacobs added: "Tottenham are also competing with Manchester City for Sandro Tonali. Manchester United are likewise negotiating for M Fee with West Ham. Additionally, Spurs, Man Utd, and Arsenal have all included Alex Scott in their transfer shortlists, with Bournemouth hoping to extend his contract. As clubs enter the new financial year, progress on these transfers is expected in the coming days and weeks."

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham's intervention has surprised not just Manchester United but the entire Premier League. Spurs have adopted a very aggressive strategy, and their willingness to pay for M Fee has already exceeded that of Man Utd. Therefore, while the player still believes he would prefer to play for Manchester United, both he and his agent tend to choose the club that offers the highest bid.

M Fee also knows he is not Man Utd's first choice, as they have been linked with many other midfielders. He has seen what happened to Carlos Baleba last year: the 22-year-old Cameroon international agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team ultimately did not make an offer. Baleba then struggled, experienced a dramatic decline in form last season, and is no longer a priority for United.

Jorge Mendes has advised M Fee to consider more options and keep his choices open. They want Manchester United to match the offer to demonstrate their commitment to the player. It must be emphasized that M Fee is by no means a loyal player—he immediately demanded to leave both Premier League clubs he played for as soon as they were relegated, pursuing his own best interests.

Sky Sports UK reports that Manchester United initially believed £60 million would be enough to secure M Fee, but now facing competition, they may have to accept a bid that exceeds that psychological price point.