Manchester United have reportedly already made an approach in an attempt to sign West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

The development comes as United move closer to finalising the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson to wrap up their opening piece of business in the summer transfer window.

As reported by the Manchester Evening News, United have reached agreement on a total package valued at £38.8million with the Serie A side to bring in Ederson, comprising an initial £35m fee plus £3.8m in add-ons.

United will be eager for a deal involving Ederson to be concluded at the earliest opportunity, allowing them to focus their focus toward the remainder of their summer transfer activity.

It’s also been suggested that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes features on United’s list of targets this summer, with the club potentially capitalising on the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

A report by ESPN has offered an update on Fernandes’ situation, with United receiving a mention. The report suggests that the Reds have already contacted West Ham regarding a possible deal for the 21-year-old playmaker.

It has been claimed that Fernandes is likely to depart the Hammers this summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League, though it remains uncertain what prospects United have of securing a deal for the Portugal international.

Arsenal have also previously been linked with a move for Fernandes in recent weeks, and it is yet to be established whether the player would favour a switch to United or North London this summer.

West Ham signed Fernandes from Southampton last summer for a reported fee of £42m, and he went on to net four goals across 38 appearances during his debut season at the London Stadium.

A report in the Daily Mail this week claimed that the Hammers would demand approximately £80m to sanction Fernandes’ departure this summer, as they brace themselves for life in the Championship. However, potential suitors believe they can negotiate that figure down.

United are widely expected to target at least two midfielders this summer, with Ederson’s arrival anticipated to be the first piece of business.

Whether United will ultimately land Fernandes this summer remains to be seen, with Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, Newcastle duo Sandro Tonali and Bruno Fernandes, as well as Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni among the other midfielders mentioned as potential targets.