Manchester United are set to go all in on their hunt for midfield reinforcements during the upcoming summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports, Man United have stepped up their interest in signing Mateus Fernandes and Ederson.
The Red Devils are expected to undergo huge changes in midfield ahead of next season.
Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford once his contract expires at the end of the season, while INEOS may also decide to cut their losses on Manuel Ugarte after an underwhelming spell in Manchester.
That situation would leave Kobbie Mainoo as the club’s only recognised senior central midfielder heading into next season.
With United returning to the UEFA Champions League, the club are fully aware that greater squad depth will be essential to cope with the demanding schedule.
Mateus Fernandes is viewed as one of the brightest young midfield talents in Europe.
The Portuguese midfielder is a progressive ball distributor and has the ability to glide past pressure with the ball at his feet.
West Ham United are currently battling to avoid relegation alongside Tottenham Hotspur with only two matches remaining in the season.
That situation could potentially hand United a huge advantage in negotiations if the Hammers are relegated from the Premier League.
Fernandes could become available for a significantly reduced fee under those circumstances.
Ederson is another midfielder who is on the shortlist at Old Trafford.
The 26-year-old is a defensive midfielder by trade and possesses the skills to play accurate long balls.
With only one year remaining on his current contract at Atalanta, United will hope to negotiate a bargain deal.
However, the Serie A outfit are still expected to demand close to £40 million before agreeing to sanction his departure.
Stats from Transfermark.com
