Manchester United have stepped up their pursuit of Portuguese duo Joao Felix and Bruno Fernandes as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer aims to make a flying start to his summer overhaul.

The Norwegian expects to recruit as many as five new signings during the next transfer window – aiming for additions in every area of his squad.

Felix and Fernandes are two of his leading targets and in recent weeks United have further explored the possibility of bringing them to Old Trafford for a potential combined fee of £150m.

One major concern is both players’ willingness to sign for a club that may not be involved in the Champions League next season.

They face competition from Manchester City for Felix, while Real Madrid have also been linked.

Both of those clubs can offer Champions League football next season, which United look likely to miss out on after their alarming end of season collapse.

Solskjaer’s side have to hope Chelsea and Arsenal slip up in their final two games to have any hope of a top four finish.

But the United manager still plans to use the lure of the Champions League to try to convince potential targets to sign – insisting he will lead the club back into Europe’s top competition, even if they miss out this year.

United have tracked Felix throughout his development at Benfica – identifying him as one of the top prospects in world football.

At the age of 19, he has been dubbed the ‘new Cristiano Ronaldo’ after bursting onto the scene this season, which has also seen him attract the interest of Europe’s leading clubs.

Solskjaer is desperate to add creativity and goals to his side - and Felix, who could cost around £100m, fits the bill. But with 19-year-old Jadon Sancho also a target valued in excess of £80m, it remains to be seen whether United would be prepared to make such an outlay on two teenagers in the same window.

Sporting Lisbon’s free scoring midfielder Fernandes is also seen as a player who can add vital goals for United.

While City have been linked with the 24-year-old, it’s believed United have shown the greatest interest so far.

Solskjaer is looking to bring in two midfielders to replace Marouane Fellaini, who left for Shandong Luneng in January, and Ander Herrera, who is set to join Paris Saint-Germain as a free agent.

Everton’s Idrissa Gueye is being considered as a replacement for Herrera.

While United are aiming to bring in more emerging British talent – Solskjaer and Mike Phelan have made it clear to Ed Woodward that that the squad is in need of experience.

In Fellaini and Herrera, as well as the soon to depart Antonio Valencia and Juan Mata - who is out of contract - United will lose a host of older heads from the dressing room.

Solskjaer has aimed to narrow down his wanted list in recent weeks. As well as two midfielders, he wants a right back, centre back and forward.