The Red Devils are planning to touch base soon to declare their interest, following West Ham's relegation from the Premier League.
Flashscore understands United want to sign three midfield players during the transfer window and 21-year-old Fernandes has emerged as one of the names under serious consideration.
There is belief that Fernandes will become available on the market and United are looking to understand the terms he could be signed for. They value him in the region of £50 million, and want to assess whether a reasonable deal can be completed.
Sources close to West Ham believe the London club are likely to push for other clubs to come into the mix, in hope they can spark a bidding war and drive up his price.
So far, both Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal have also been credibly linked.
The intent to push forward with interest in Fernandes comes as United attempt to close a deal for Brazilian midfielder Ederson.
It is looking increasingly likely that United will reach an early summer agreement for the Atalanta player. Sources believe a fee below £35 million has been looking possible, and the club see that as the type of value they want to replicate throughout the summer.
United are determined not to overpay in the market and that stance could affect their pursuit of Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, who remains a player they very much admire if Brighton soften their £100 million valuation.
So far, there have not been signs of that and as the summer window closes in, United may prefer to look towards more attainable options.
Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali and Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni are also among the players admired by decision-makers at Old Trafford - although any move would depend on price and availability.
Meanwhile, United may delay plans to recruit a left-sided attacker while Marcus Rashford’s future remains unresolved.
His future is up in the air, as Anthony Gordon’s pending move to Barcelona leaves his situation uncertain.
We understand Rashford does have hope that a permanent switch to Barca is still possible, and the club remain interested, but it depends on the finances around such a move.
As a result, United could prioritise signing a left-back in the first half of the summer transfer window, with Lewis Hall currently viewed as the preferred option for that position.
