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

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.