Manchester United are stepping up their summer transfer activity, with a move for West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes now firmly in their sights.
Reporter Gianluigi Longari has claimed United are ‘preparing an offer’ for the 21-year-old Portuguese star, with a bid expected to be submitted ‘in the coming days’.
The move comes as United close in on Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with transfer insider Fabrizio Romano confirming that deal is set to be finalised in early July.
Romano made clear that Ederson will not be the only arrival, stating United plan to be extremely active across the remaining weeks of the transfer window.
Romano said: “And don’t forget that this is just the first one for Man Utd. They will do many other things on the market. At least one more midfielder because Casemiro is leaving, Manuel Ugarte is leaving, and so Man Utd are going to be very busy in the upcoming weeks.”
Ederson, 26, could serve as a like-for-like replacement for compatriot Casemiro, having regularly operated in a defensive midfield role throughout his career.
Ugarte’s future also remains uncertain, with United reportedly willing to accept bids of £35m for the Uruguayan, who has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
With two established midfielders potentially heading for the exit, United’s pursuit of Fernandes makes considerable tactical and commercial sense heading into the new season.
West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League appears to have opened the door for suitors, with reports suggesting the London club could accept a fee in the range of £43m to £52m.
Liverpool are also understood to be preparing a move for Fernandes, meaning United face a serious battle to land the highly-rated youngster from a direct domestic rival.
Fernandes earned strong praise throughout the campaign, with Mark Carlaw of The West Ham Way podcast describing him as “sensational” following a composed and mature season in east London.
Roy Keane is also a noted admirer of the Portuguese midfielder, ranking him above the likes of Alex Scott, Carlos Baleba, Casemiro, and Enzo Fernandez in his personal assessments.
The 21-year-old registered three goals and four assists across 34 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, demonstrating both his creativity and consistency at the top level.
Both Scott and Baleba have also been linked with moves to Old Trafford, with United reportedly opening talks over a deal for the AFC Bournemouth midfielder in recent days.
United’s midfield rebuild this summer is shaping up to be one of the most significant in the club’s recent history, with multiple arrivals and departures expected before the window closes.