Manchester United officials are excited as they now believe they will complete a deal to sign a £100m-rated star this summer, according to journalist Shaun Connolly.

Man United quickly agreed a deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta ahead of the summer transfer window officially opening on Monday, but things have slowed down since the 2026 World Cup got underway a week ago.

The Red Devils may have completed the first part of their midfield rebuild following the exit of Casemiro, but with Manuel Ugarte expected to go too, there is at least one, and potentially two, more arrivals to come in the position.

Finding players to complement and bring the best out of Kobbie Mainoo is the major transfer priority, but they are considering new signings in other positions too.

A new goalkeeper could arrive if Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana end up leaving Old Trafford this summer, while they could also look at the left-back, left-winger and striker positions if players like Marcus Rashford and Joshua Zirkzee leave.

Left-back seems more guaranteed following interest in Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, with little competition for Luke Shaw after United reportedly decided that Patrick Dorgu is more suited to playing further forward.

Man United ‘Confident’ of Sealing Mateus Fernandes Deal

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With number one target and Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson seemingly out of reach, due to his price tag and preference to join Manchester City, United have been forced to turn their attentions elsewhere to land their new midfielders.

The Red Devils have now identified West Ham star Mateus Fernandes as their leading target in the position, following the Irons’ relegation to the Championship.

The 21-year-old is keen on a move to Old Trafford, as Connolly reports, but agreeing a fee with the Hammers could prove to be a major hurdle.

Fabrizio Romano reported previously that West Ham ideally wanted £100m for the Portugal international, but that a deal around £85m could be more realistic, especially given they are now a Championship club.

According to Connolly, despite the lack of progress, United staff are confident of eventually completing a deal for Fernandes, and they are excited about the potential addition.

Patience will be required while negotiations continue between all parties, although United do face the threat of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain firming up their interest in the player too.

Mateus Fernandes is a Future Superstar

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The price tag for Fernandes may be big, but he has shown in the past two seasons why he looks destined for the very top.

It would be easy for a player of 20 or 21 years of age to go missing or be anonymous in two Premier League teams fighting against relegation, but instead he has arguably been the best player for both Southampton and West Ham in those situations.

The Portugal international has shown his midfield versatility too, proving he is capable of playing as a ‘6’, ‘8’ or ’10’ during his two years in the Premier League, although he appears strongest in the ‘8’.

Fernandes dreams of linking up with Portuguese compatriot Bruno at Old Trafford, and he might just get his wish if the Red Devils can advance in negotiations in the coming weeks.

Tottenham are said to be keen on a talented young midfielder as they look to repeat the success they have already had with the signing of Archie Gray. Spurs are fully focused on improving their squad this summer as they look to become European qualification contenders next season.

Roberto De Zerbi is to be handed a war chest to improve his squad, although the club will have plenty of say in who is signed this summer. Ready-made starters are being targeted to improve the quality of the starting XI, but Spurs must also keep an eye on the future, and they are always in the market for the best young talent available.

De Cat race begins

Spurs are said to be interested in Anderlecht star Nathan De Cat, who has been dazzling at just 17 years of age. The central midfielder is already a regular for the Belgian club’s senior team, racking up 46 appearances across all competitions, while he also contributed three goals and five assists.

The box-to-box midfielder has a year remaining on his contract, putting Anderlecht in a tricky position as clubs begin to circle for their talented youngster. De Cat has been linked with a host of clubs, including Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, and Tottenham are named as the main source of Premier League interest by TEAMtalk, although other Premier League clubs are said to have inquired.

Tottenham are said to have formalised their interest with ‘extensive contact’, asking Anderlecht about the conditions of a possible deal this summer. Spurs are said to view De Cat as a deep-lying midfielder who can go on to become a starter, with the player being described by one notorious scout as ‘the future of Belgian football’.

Spurs success with youngsters

Tottenham have had plenty of success in signing young talents over the years, be it Gareth Bale, Lucas Bergvall or Archie Gray. Gray, in particular, has been a real success story, already becoming a regular starter while a teenager, although he is now 20 years of age.

Gray is a midfielder just like De Cat, but he is able to perform at a remarkable level at centre-back and full-back, especially given his youth and relative lack of experience.

Spurs paid £40million to Leeds United for Gray, and with each of his two seasons at the club it has looked increasingly as though that fee was a bargain. The 20-year-old is well on his way to being an England international, and indeed an England regular.

It will be hoped De Cat can follow a similar progression should Spurs manage to get their hands on him.

Manchester United are said to be interested in a quickly-ascending attacking midfielder who has already attracted a Premier League offer this summer. The Red Devils have already invested in their squad this summer with the signing of Ederson, and more signings are expected to follow.

Michael Carrick has holes to fill, especially in the midfield and at left-back, and despite the signing of Ederson, we could well see another two signings in the middle of the park between a defensive midfielder and one capable of adding to the attack.

And another name has now emerged when it comes to the latter.

Baturina could be an option for Man Utd

REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

Croatia midfielder Martin Butarina is said to be a possible option for United this summer, and interest in the creative midfielder is increasing rapidly. The Como star is coming off the back of an impressive season that saw him score eight and assist four to help Cesc Fabregas’ side to European qualification in Serie A.

Butarina, who is still only 23 years of age, is with Croatia at the World Cup this summer, and he scored against England with a super-strike in his nation’s group stage opener, though it ended in a 4-2 defeat.

Even before then, interest in the ‘creative genius’ was building quickly, and Sky Italia say a €50m Premier League offer has already been rejected this summer. Speculation suggests that the offer came from Aston Villa, but the club is unconfirmed.

Sky Sports Italia say United are among the clubs interested in the Croatian this summer, even if their main focus is likely to be on the holding role as they look to replace Casemiro.

A host of Italian clubs are also credited with an interest at this stage.

Fabregas praise for Baturina

Speaking last year, Como boss Fabregas praised Baturina and his importance to his team. He said: “He showed he deserves to play, he showed what kind of player he is. Baturina can still show much more, there’s a lot in him. He scored against Milan and Monaco, he is a player of great quality. Yes, he has to keep working, and he did a very important defensive job as well, just like Nico Paz. That’s the kind of work that often goes unnoticed.”

“Baturina must be part of Como’s present and future. I have to find the right position for him because it’s not ideal for him to occupy the same space as Nico. Tactically, we can use him in other roles. I think he can play as part of a midfield duo, but he must remain calm. I believe in him; he has shown me a lot.”

He added a little later in the year: “He’s a very intelligent player, He can play with anyone.”