SullyTalkz Exclusive: With midfield mainstays departing, the Red Devils have opened negotiations for West Ham standout Mateus Fernandes to bolster Michael Carrick’s squad alongside fellow new arrival Éderson.
Manchester United are on the hunt for new central midfielders this summer, with Casemiro leaving the club.
The Brazilian midfielder's last game for United was against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount playing in the double pivot against Brighton and Hove Albion on the final day of the season.
With that in mind, it is also likely that Manuel Ugarte leaves this summer, as he is unlikely to be happy with being chosen behind Mount, despite the former Chelsea star not being a natural in that position.
Atalanta's Éderson looked set to be the first new midfielder through the door with a £35 million deal agreed with Atalanta, although his last-minute call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad could delay formalities such as his medical and contract signing.
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes has also been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford this summer.
Sources: United enter talks with West Ham
Roundtable have previously reported that United were planning to advance the deal once the Éderson transfer was finalised. Having now completed the first transfer, United have fully turned their attention to the West Ham midfielder.
Now, Roundtable understands that United and West Ham have begun club-to-club talks regarding Mateus Fernandes, although there is currently internal chaos at the London Stadium following David Sullivan's departure, which could delay any potential transfer.
However, United have no desire to pay the reported £80 million asking price, and do not want any possible deal to drag on into a significant saga. Fernandes is still keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Roundtable have previously reported that Michael Carrick loves Fernandes and would welcome him at Old Trafford, which could be a factor in the deal, given Carrick will have a larger say in transfers than Rúben Amorim.
It's also understood that reports that United are interested in full-back El Hadji Diouf are wide of the mark.
United still need three midfielders
While adding Éderson and Fernandes to the group of midfielders already at Old Trafford will benefit the squad heading into next season, United still need more options.
With the new recruits, United have replaced Ugarte and filled the void behind Kobbie Mainoo. Carrick will be able to rotate the England international, but more options are still needed.
The return to the Champions League could be tough for United, and they will need a large squad to cope.
Alongside a third defensive midfielder, Carrick could be forced to promote one of the academy midfielders through into the first team. Tyler Fletcher will likely be a top candidate for that role, having been selected for Scotland's World Cup squad, but his brother Jack and Jacob Devaney will be options, too.
