As Casemiro prepares to depart, Old Trafford officials are eyeing Ederson, Carlos Baleba, and Mateus Fernandes to fix a glaring lack of depth in Manchester United's pivot.
There is no hiding from the fact that Manchester United's biggest decision this summer is who to bring in as part of their midfielder rebuild.
Michael Carrick's team have suffered a lot when either Casemiro or Kobbie Mainoo have been out of the starting XI, with the drop off in quality when the likes of Manuel Ugarte or Mason Mount play in the pivot clear to see.
Casemiro is set to depart this summer once his contract expires at the end of June, with Ugarte also being routinely linked with a move to either Italy or Turkey amid reports he has decided to leave the club this summer.
With the club losing at least two midfielders this summer and already being one short, it is emerging that they may sign up to three new midfielders.
Sources: United ramping up midfield pursuit
Earlier this year, Roundtable reported that although Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest is the club's main target to replace Casemiro.
While this remains the case, and it's understood that United held a meeting with Forest last week, Roundtable understands that the club are hotting up their search for other midfielders, too.
It is thought that the club are eyeing up a possible move for Atalanta's Ederson, who is greatly appreciated by Director of Football Jason Wilcox, while United remain very much interested in Brighton's Carlos Baleba despite his mixed form this campaign.
While it's far from certain that Anderson will join the Reds, as Manchester City remain favourites for his signature, Ederson is seen more as a "category B" market opportunity that would complement a more signifiacnt midfield signing.
Amid all this, Roundtable also understands that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes is also creeping up the club's midfield shortlist as he continues to perform admirably despite the London club's possible relegation.
West Ham will still ask for a sizable transfer fee this summer, even if they do head to the Championship come the end of the campaign.
Could United turn to their Academy?
It has been reported in the media that United are looking to spend roughly £150 million on three new midfielders in the summer market, the club are also wary of some fantastic talent in their Academy.
The likes of Jimmy Thwaites and Jack Moorhouse have had brilliant seasons either on loan or within the U21 and U18 ranks, and the aforementioned duo have been training with United's senior side, too.
Young winger Shea Lacey is the current No. 1 tipped player to make his breakthrough into the senior team next. At the same time, there will be ample opportunity for others to make signifiacnt senior appearances across the multiple competitions.
Carrick has been very invested in the club's Academy since being appionted as head coach for this season, and if he remains in the role next campaign too, he may find a way to blood United's young stars to help fill out the squad, too.