Tottenham Hotspur are making progress in their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes as their transfer battle with Manchester United rages on for the midfielder.Over recent days, it has become clear that Spurs have accelerated their efforts to secure Fernandes, who is expected to leave West Ham following their relegation.Tottenham had been speaking to the Hammers’ midfielder’s representatives regarding a move across London, as they look to beat Man United to the 21-year-old’s signature.In fact, over the last 48 hours, there have been plenty of rumours regarding an impending bid from the Lilywhites for Fernandes, and it appears that the North Londoners are now making some solid progress.Photo by Luis Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty ImagesTottenham are going in strong for FernandesThe Independent have now claimed that Spurs have now held ‘positive talks’ with their London rivals over a prospective £85m deal for Fernandes.The report says that the Lilywhites are determined to beat Man United to the Portuguese international and have offered a higher package overall to the Hammers than the Red Devils have.Spurs have also offered Fernandes a better salary package than Michael Carrick’s side, although it is not revealed exactly how much their contract offer is.The outlet adds that the former Southampton man is now ‘very keen’ on making the move to N17, which will excite a lot of Tottenham fans.Man United could step away from Fernandes raceThe Independent also back up what other sources have reported over recent weeks by stating that Spurs have handed De Zerbi a budget of ‘well over £200m’ to rebuild his squad this summer.The Tottenham boss is ‘a huge fan’ of Fernandes and believes that the midfielder is very well suited to his system.The report explains that West Ham are insistent that a significant portion of the fee for Fernandes should be paid upfront.Additionally, it is revealed that United do not want to get involved in a bidding war for the 21-year-old. As a result, the Manchester club could look elsewhere to bolster their midfield.READ MORE: Liverpool could hijack Tottenham and Man United in latest £85m midfielder twistThe post Mateus Fernandes transfer race heats up as Tottenham step up pursuit appeared first on Spurs Web.