Manchester United are now set to make an official approach to try and seal their next signing after Ederson, with club chiefs believing they are 'strong favourites' to complete a deal.
Man United entered the summer knowing that midfield was the position that major work was needed, ahead of their return to the Champions League.
The Red Devils and Michael Carrick already had a lack of quality in depth in the position last season, with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount featuring there at times, along with the out-of-favour Manuel Ugarte.
United have already lost Casemiro from the position after he built up a strong relationship with Kobbie Mainoo in the engine room, and Ugarte is likely to follow him through the Old Trafford exit door if the club has their way.
Some reports have suggested that the Red Devils could look to sign three new central midfielders this summer should Ugarte successfully depart, with one already secured in Ederson.
The Brazil international is set to complete his move to the club after the World Cup having received a late call-up to Carlo Ancelotti's squad, with United now looking at bringing in another player in that position to complement the 26-year-old and Mainoo.
Man United Confidence Growing Over Fernandes Deal
West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring Premier League goal against Sunderlandvia Reuters
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United will launch an official approach to sign West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes in the coming days.
The Red Devils have faced new competition for the 21-year-old's signature from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in recent days, but the report claims that United are confident of sealing the signing of the Portugal international.
Club chiefs believe that they are the 'strong favourites' to land the West Ham man, who has no intention of playing in the Championship following the east London outfit's relegation.
Fernandes has got the green light to leave the London Stadium this summer given he is seen as their best opportunity to make big money, although the club are demanding £80m (€93m) for his services.
The race for his signature is hotting up, but it remains to be seen whether clubs are willing to meet West Ham's valuation yet.
Man United Have Two Advantages in Fernandes Race
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderlandvia Reuters
United's offer for Fernandes is expected to come in way below the £80m price tag, according to TEAMtalk, while Spurs could meet it, albeit with various layers to a deal.
United do have two advantages in their bid to sign Fernandes though, with one being the fact that the player's long-term preference has been to move to Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old would love to join the Red Devils and link up with one of his idols, Bruno Fernandes, who he also plays with for the Portugal national team.
The other thing United can offer the player that Tottenham can't is the opportunity to play in the Champions League next season.
Red Devils chiefs are working hard on both the player and club side to try and find an agreement, with talks over personal terms described as 'smooth'.
Fernandes is said to be waiting for United to make their move before potentially agreeing to join any other club.