Tottenham Hotspur suffered an Eberechi Eze nightmare last season, but Liverpool could replace Arsenal as the poachers this summer transfer window.Tottenham Hotspur‘s rebuild under Roberto De Zerbi is gathering pace after the club completed its defensive business early, with attention now turning towards strengthening the midfield.Spurs are reportedly going ‘all out’ to sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, even if it means smashing their current transfer record. Another name high on Tottenham’s shortlist is West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who De Zerbi is understood to be keen on pairing alongside Tonali next season.Fernandes will not come cheaply as West Ham are believed to value the Portuguese international at more than £80m, while Manchester United are also firmly in the race and have already agreed personal terms with the player. Tottenham are yet to reach that stage, but remain confident they can win the race for the 21-year-old, who registered 10 goal contributions during the 2025/26 campaign. Now, there has been another twist in the story.Photo by Mark Leech/Offside/Offside via Getty ImagesLiverpool enter Mateus Fernandes race with Tottenham and Man UnitedAccording to Football Insider, Liverpool have now joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the race for Fernandes as they look to strengthen their midfield options this summer.The report claims the Reds have identified the Portugal international as a player capable of adding energy and athleticism to their midfield after a disappointing campaign under former manager Arne Slot. It is understood Liverpool have already made enquiries with West Ham to understand the conditions of a potential deal.While no formal offer has been submitted and official talks are yet to begin, Liverpool’s interest is said to be genuine, with the Merseyside club exploring whether a move is achievable.Any deal is expected to cost in excess of £85m, which has already proven a stumbling block for interested clubs. Tottenham and Manchester United remain firmly in the picture, but Liverpool’s arrival adds another heavyweight competitor to an already crowded race.Spurs legend King praises youngster Vuskovic and Tottenham’s ‘Premier League proven’ recruitment so far this summer 👇https://t.co/BzmOahGy8j— Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) June 22, 2026Fabrizio Romano expects Fernandes’ price to rise above £85mFootball Insider’s claims have also been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who revealed that Liverpool made contact over Fernandes earlier this month.Speaking to Born ‘N Red on 22 June, Romano said: “I will tell you something that was not so public in the recent days and weeks. Liverpool made a call two weeks ago to understand the situation of Fernandes at West Ham, to understand the price and conditions, but they didn’t return with any bid or any official conversation.“But they made a call two weeks ago, I can guarantee that. Tottenham and Man United are busy with a deal, so there are so many clubs involved. The player is going to be expensive, more than £85m.”Those comments will not be welcomed by Tottenham, particularly after reports suggested they were considering an opening offer worth around £60m. With another major club now involved, West Ham may feel even less pressure to lower their demands.Spurs may also wait to see how Lucas Bergvall’s situation develops after reports emerged that the Swedish midfielder wants a fresh challenge away from North London, with the club expected to seek around £45m for his services.Tottenham are also looking at alternative midfield options, including AS Roma’s Manu Kone. With Fernandes valued at over £85m, Kone could be available for less than half that figure, which may force Spurs to weigh up whether the West Ham star represents value for money.READ MORE: What £45m Lucas Bergvall is thinking after asking Tottenham for a transfer awayThe post Liverpool could hijack Tottenham and Man United in latest £85m midfielder twist appeared first on Spurs Web.