United Close In On Ederson Swoop

Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, after the two clubs agreed a deal for the Brazilian.

The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for the Red Devils, who are set to return to the Champions League next season.

And with just a year left on the midfielder’s deal in Bergamo, United have swooped in and agreed an initial fee of £34m.

The three-cap Brazil international has spent the last four years in Italy. He impressed in a short spell at Salernitana following a move from his homeland, before becoming a mainstay in the Atalanta midfield after signing in the summer of 2022.

He leaves with 180 appearances to his name for La Dea, scoring 18 goals. He was not named in Carlo Ancelotti's final Brazil squad for the upcoming World Cup.

Ederson will be a direct replacement for countryman Casemiro, who is leaving Old Trafford upon the expiration of his deal at the end of the month. The former Real Madrid midfielder, meanwhile, did make Ancelotti’s 26-man roster.

In addition, Manuel Ugarte is likely to be sold to raise further rebuilding funds for United, making central midfield a vital department in now permanent boss Michael Carrick’s summer transfer plans.

Mateus Fernandes, now a Championship player after his recent relegation with West Ham, is another target, but the Reds have baulked at the Hammers’ £100m+ valuation on the Portugal international.

Also on Carrick’s shopping list is a left-winger, with Marcus Rashford’s future likely to remain away from Old Trafford.

And that could well see them turn to AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who announced last weekend that he would be leaving the San Siro this summer. The Portuguese is likely to be available for less than £50m.