Man United close in on £38m deal for Ederson

Manchester United are reportedly in advanced talks to sign Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson as their first major signing of the summer transfer window.

According to multiple reports, a deal for the Brazilian midfielder is close to completion, with United expected to pay an initial £35 million plus an additional £3 million in performance-related add-ons for the 26-year-old.

Although senior United officials have played down suggestions that an agreement has already been reached, negotiations are understood to be progressing positively.

Ederson has just 12 months remaining on his current contract with Atalanta, making this summer a key opportunity for the Serie A side to cash in on one of their most important midfield players.

The move comes as Manchester United continue rebuilding under new head coach Michael Carrick following an impressive campaign that ended with a third-place Premier League finish.

United recently announced third-quarter profits of £37.7 million for the nine months ending March 31, with chief executive Omar Berrada expressing confidence in the club’s current direction and long-term progress.

Despite still carrying significant outstanding transfer debt within the club’s financial structure, United remain determined to strengthen key areas of the squad while avoiding the expensive long-term contracts that have caused problems in previous seasons.

Central midfield has emerged as a major priority for the club following the departure of Casemiro and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte.

United are believed to be targeting at least two midfield additions this summer, although reports suggest top target Elliot Anderson is leaning towards a move to Manchester City F.C. instead.

Ederson has impressed in Serie A with his energy, defensive discipline and ball-carrying ability, attributes United believe can strengthen Carrick’s midfield ahead of next season.