SullyTalkz Exclusive: Manchester United are planning further talks for West Ham's Mateus Fernandes once they strike a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
Manchester United's desire for midfield reinforcements this summer has led them straight back to where they were last time out – hunting for talent within the Premier League.
Last summer, the club recruited Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha from Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the idea that both players would be able to settle into the Premier League at United, and it worked a treat.
This time around, with the club looking for midfielders, they have identified Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson as their prime target, although others have piqued their interest, too.
The likes of Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Alex Scott (Bournemouth), and Carlos Baleba (Brighton) have also been on the club's list, while the club are known to have a strong interest in West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, too.
Sources: United to advance Fernandes talks
Previously, Roundtable revealed that United believe Fernandes has made signing with the Old Trafford club his priority this summer, although reports had suggested West Ham would demand up to £80 million for the Portuguese star.
Roundtable can now reveal that United are planning further talks with West Ham regarding the player, who is due to turn 22 next week, once a transfer for Atalanta's Ederson is finalised.
Those at Old Trafford have had ongoing contact with Fernandes' representatives for a while, and he's very open to a move, which he considers a dream transfer. The fee will be key in determining the final outcome of talks.
At the same time, Premier League champions Arsenal remain interested in the Portuguese international, and while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked, it's understood that their transfer priorities lie in attack.
United need three midfielders
While the pursuit of Fernandes and the pending signing of Ederson, who looks set to join United for a fee of around £35 million, indicates a strong desire to secure transfers as fast as they can, they need more.
Casemiro is set to depart this summer, with Manuel Ugarte routinely linked to moves to either Turkey or Italy in the coming months.
With Bruno Fernandes now back in his usual No. 10 position, if the aforementioned two both leave the club, this would see Kobbie Mainoo as the club's only senior central midfielder.
United need to look at signing three new midfielders this summer, and if Fernandes and Ederson are two, this must be a defensive midfeilder.
