Transfer in Manchester United: Man Utd Are in advance talking to midfielder Ederson

Manchester United are in advance talk to Atranta midfielder Ederson

Talks are in the final stages over a fee in the region of £38m. Sources expect the fee to be broken down into a £35m guaranteed payment plus £3m in add-ons.

 

Senior United officials played down speculation and say there is still no agreement for Ederson, who has 12 months left on his contract.

But Atalanta's manager Raffaele Palladino confirmed last week that Ederson remained an unused substitute in their draw against Fiorentina because most clubs are following him like Man Utd as they are in final talking , Man City and others. 

However, on the day they announced third-quarter profits of £37.7m for the nine months to 31 March - and chief executive Omar Berrada said he was "very positive about the club's progress" - it is clear United are eager to build on their unexpected third-placed finish under new head coach Michael Carrick.

United do still owe a huge amount in outstanding transfer fees, which makes up the vast majority of the £482m owing in 'trade and other payables', and underlines the work needed to get their finances in order.

But they are determined to be competitive in the transfer market, while pledging not to fall into the trap of offering expensive long contracts as they have in the past.

United are prioritising strengthening central midfield this summer after the exit of Casemiro and uncertainty over Manuel Ugarte's future.

Ideally they would like to make two, or possibly three, signings in that area - although it appears first choice Elliot Anderson.

While it is not unknown for United to negotiate with more than one target before making a final decision, they appear to have opted to move early for Ederson, who has three full Brazil caps but has missed out on World Cup selection.