Tottenham are exploring a deal for Sporting Lisbon's Bruno Fernandes as an alternative to Giovani Lo Celso.

Spurs want to add an attacking midfielder to their squad before the August 8 transfer deadline and they have been locked in talks with Real Betis for Lo Celso for months.

But they are no closer to agreeing a fee with the Spanish club, who are holding out for the Argentina international's full £88million release clause and have rejected a £52m bid.

Spurs have now opened talks with Sporting for Fernandes, who scored 23 goals from midfield for club and country last season.

In mid-June, Spurs strongly denied widespread reports in Portugal that they were interested in Fernandes but the club has since decided to pursue a deal and local media claims they have sent two senior officials to Lisbon in a bid to finalise a deal.

Standard Sport understands Fernandes has also been on United’s radar all summer, but they have grown increasingly frustrated by what they see as attempts to use their name to inflate his price tag.

Despite expressing interest, United are yet to table a formal offer as Ole Gunnar Solskjær concentrates on priority target Harry Maguire.

Spurs have already broken their transfer record this summer to sign Tanguy Ndombele from Lyon for £65m but their only other signing, Jack Clarke, immediately returned to Leeds on loan.

Mauricio Pochettino, the Spurs manager, hinted at his frustration this week when he insisted he has no say over transfers and suggested the club change his job title from coach to manager.