Manchester United transfer news: Ederson targeted in £42m deal
Manchester United They are in advanced talks to make Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson their first summer signing.
Multiple sources have told BBC Sport that a deal for the 26-year-old is close to completion, with a fee likely to be €48m (£41.6m).
Senior United officials downplayed the speculation and said a deal had still not been reached for Ederson, who has 12 months left on his contract.
But on the day they announced third-quarter profits of £37.7 million for the nine months to March 31, with chief executive Omar Berrada saying he was “very positive about the club’s progress”, it was clear that United were keen to further improve on their unlikely third-place finish under new head coach Michael Carrick.
United still owe a large amount of unpaid transfer fees; This accounts for the vast majority of the £482 million in ‘trade and other debts’ and underlines the work required to get their finances in order.
But they are determined to remain competitive in the transfer market and vow not to fall into the trap of offering expensive long-term contracts as has been the case in the past.
United are prioritizing strengthening their midfield this summer after Casemiro’s departure and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte’s future.
Ideally they would like to make two or possibly three signings in this area – but it appears the first choice is Elliot Anderson opting to join Manchester City.
While it is not unknown for United to negotiate with multiple targets before making a final decision, they appear to have opted to make an early move on Ederson, who played three times for Brazil but missed out on World Cup selection.
Atletico Madrid were thought to be keen on the player, who has spent the last four-and-a-half years in Serie A (initially at Salernitana), but the Spanish team instead opted for Joao Gomes from Wolves.
United’s other potential target, Mateus Fernandes, is likely to be sold by West Ham this summer as he faces the financial consequences of relegation to the Championship.
United were keen on Brighton’s Carlos Baleba last summer but are keen to sign the Cameroon international for much less than they were willing to offer following a lackluster season 12 months ago.
