Manchester United are accelerating talks to sign West Ham United star Mateus Fernandes after Ederson as they look to complete a major midfield rebuild, according to CaughtOffside.
Man United have made bolstering the centre of the pitch their priority in the summer transfer window, which officially opens on June 15.
Despite the fact that it is still a fortnight away, Red Devils chiefs are wasting no time in trying to ensure they wrap up some of their transfer business early, especially with the 2026 World Cup which starts on June 11 also around the corner.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that United will complete a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta unless something crazy happens, with a transfer likely to cost them under £40m.
Ederson isn't going to the World Cup, which not only gives club chiefs more time to work on the finer details of a deal, but also means that the 26-year-old will be at Carrington on the first day of pre-season training if a deal goes through.
Mateus Fernandes would be in a similar situation too, after missing out on a spot in Portugal's World Cup squad despite recently picking up his first cap for his country.
Man United Strongest Contenders to Sign Mateus Fernandes
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes celebrates scoring vs Sunderland
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United have now 'accelerated talks' with representatives of West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes.
The Red Devils have been linked with a move for the 21-year-old in recent months, but clubs now see an opportunity to prise him away from the London Stadium after the Irons were relegated to the Championship.
United are said to see Fernandes as a long-term solution in midfield, alongside another young player in Kobbie Mainoo, with a belief that he is ready to play with national compatriot Bruno Fernandes.
Fernandes himself is said to be attracted to the opportunity to play alongside Bruno in the Champions League next term, with West Ham valuing the player, described as being a 'deep-lying Bruno Fernandes' by one former head of analysis, at £52m.
United face competition for the Portuguese star's signature though, given he is also attracting interest from Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Inter Milan, Napoli and Juventus.
United Still Need to Land Top-Class Casemiro Replacement
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro celebrates after Premier League win against Brentford at Old Trafford
Even if United end up landing Ederson and Mateus Fernandes for Carrick this summer, they will still need to land a top-class replacement for Casemiro before the window shuts.
The Brazilian built a strong partnership with Mainoo that was key to the Red Devils' success in 2026, as they secured Champions League qualification with three games to spare.
The 34-year-old leaves a big void to be filled, and United chiefs know it.
Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest has been their top target to replace the Brazilian, but his price tag and desire to join Manchester City instead are proving problematic.
Brighton and Hove Albion's Carlos Baleba has also been linked, along with fellow Premier League midfielder Sandro Tonali at Newcastle United, while Romano claims that Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid is their 'dream' Casemiro replacement.
Prising the France international away from the Bernabeu poses its own issues though, with Real currently being determined to keep him.