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 Charles.
Signed by Jason Wilcox while at Saints from the United director of football’s former club City, Charles was always viewed as a player who would prosper at the highest level and could yet be given a chance to fill out United’s squad if other business falls into place.
Leicester City centre back Ben Nelson, who was being watched by Manchester City and Chelsea not long ago, is another who has drawn United’s attention. Now 22, Nelson is 6ft 5in tall but can also play at left back and was a big favourite of Enzo Maresca, Pep Guardiola’s heir-apparent at City.
Though not seen as first-team starters, Charles and Nelson are among the players the club are believed to be assessing as ones with potential to provide greater squad depth alongside their emerging youngsters.
United remain in the hunt for an attacking player too. They posted interest in RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande but don’t want to get involved in an £85m bidding auction with Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain, the main contenders in that race.
Talks are also planned this week for United and England forward Marcus Rashford, as he seeks some clarity on his aim to stay with Barcelona.
Former Manchester City midfielder Shea Charles was signed for Southampton by United’s director of football Jason Wilcox and is back in his sights
United also like Leicester centre back Ben Nelson (right), who at 6ft 5in is a commanding presence
The Spanish champions want another loan, rather than exercising the £26m clause in their existing deal, as they need room financially to add another striker following Robert Lewandowski’s departure.
Barca like Chelsea’s Joao Pedro and he would like to join them, but the Blues don’t plan to sell. Aston Villa, Arsenal and Spurs are understood to have discussed Rashford but the 28-year-old’s dream is to stay with Hansi Flick’s team.
United have re-signed Tom Heaton but will need more back-up for Senne Lammens with Andre Onana exploring his options and Altay Bayindir wanted back in Turkey.
