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Manchester United are on course to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson with the Brazilian committed to becoming the first signing of the Michael Carrick era.
Negotiations are ongoing over a £38.8million deal while Atalanta go through the process of appointing a new coach, former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri. United had a delegation in Italy last week to conduct discussions not only for Ederson but also other potential signings.
They want a forward and competition at left back but are juggling a couple of midfield targets and, as previously reported, much depends on the cost with prices escalating in a very competitive market.
West Ham’s relegation means their negotiating power over Mateus Fernandes has slightly diminished, as they need to raise over £100m in player sales.
Newcastle’s price for Sandro Tonali remains prohibitive while Carlos Baleba would love to join but Brighton are equally difficult to prise players away from cheaply.
United’s ideal targets have been either Aurelien Tchouameni from Real Madrid or Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, but the England man is still expected to join rivals Manchester City if a fee can be agreed. Forest have been talking up a £125m valuation but City see a deal closer to £90m.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson is set to become Manchester United’s first signing of the Michael Carrick era
United have been interested in both Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, but both are proving too expensive
Incidentally, City have also discussed Tonali and Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez but again both would be costly. Tchouameni wants to stay at Madrid, though may yet see himself pushed towards the exit if incoming boss Jose Mourinho gets Rodri from City or Morten Hjulmand from Sporting Lisbon.
United want two, and perhaps three midfielders depending on finance, once Casemiro is off the books and Manuel Ugarte leaves.
As Man United Confidential revealed in March, talks are ongoing over a new deal to reward captain Bruno Fernandes and, further down the line, United are also still assessing players such as Southampton’s £25m-rated Shea…