Tottenham have been linked with an incredible swoop for Manchester United target Bruno Fernandes.
The Sporting Lisbon midfielder, 24, has become one of the most coveted players in the world after scoring a record-breaking 32 goals in the Portuguese top-flight last season.
Fernandes all-but confirmed he would leave Sporting this summer after appearing to bid a tearful farewell to fans during a recent friendly against Valencia.
United looked to be leading the race for his signature, but reports suggest they are struggling to negotiate a fee for the £70million-rated star.
And now, according to Sky Sports News, Spurs have entered talks with Sporting to try and hijack the deal.
It is understood Tottenham have sent a representative to Lisbon to negotiate with Sporting president Frederico Varandas.
United are still thought to be interested in the Portugal international, but the Red Devils are yet to submit a concrete offer, with Sporting standing firm on their £70m valuation of the player.
Respected Italian sports journalist Gabriele Marcotti suggests the links between Fernandes and United were never as strong as they seemed.
Speaking on ESPN FC, he said: “This is a funny one because this has been ongoing now for three months.
“We hear from Portugal that ‘this is imminent, this is imminent, next 48 hours’.
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“I just don’t see it happening at the prices that they’re throwing around, €70m-80m.
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“I just think this is something where United, if they really wanted this guy, would have pulled the trigger on this earlier.”
Tottenham have already broken their club-record transfer fee to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for £55m, while Jack Clarke also joined from Leeds for £10m before being loaned back to the Championship club.