Manchester United transfer news: Ederson targets £42m deal

Manchester United Atalanta are in advanced talks to make Brazilian midfielder Ederson their first signing of the summer.

A number of sources have told BBC Sport that the deal is close to being completed and will pay €48m (£41.6m) for the 26-year-old.

Senior United officials played down the speculation and said there was no deal for Ederson, who still has 12 months left on his contract.

However, on the day they announced a third-quarter profit of £37.7m for the nine months to March 31 – and chief executive Omar Berada said he was “very positive about the club’s progress” – it is clear United will be eager to boost their unexpected third-tier status under new head coach Michael Carrick.

United still have a significant amount of transfer debt, most of which is made up of £482m of ‘trade and other payables’, and shows the amount of work needed to fix their finances.

But they are determined to be competitive in the transfer market; They vow not to fall into the trap of offering expensive long contracts as they have done in the past.

United are prioritizing strengthening their midfield following Casemiro’s departure and lifting doubts over Manuel Ugart’s future.

Ideally, they’d like to make two, or three, potential signings in that area, although Elliott Anderson appears to be their first choice. I prefer to join Manchester City..

It is not known that United negotiated with more than one target before making a final decision, but it seems they chose to move early to sign Ederson. Brazil played three full games but failed to qualify for the World Cup.

Atletico Madrid were thought to be interested in the player, who has spent the past four-and-a-half years in Serie A – first with Salernitana – but the Spanish side have been keen on the player. WolvesJoao Gomez instead.

Mateusz Fernandez, another United target, could be sold. West Ham Realizing the financial implications of relegation to the Championship this summer.

United were keen. BrightonCarlos Baleba last summer, however, wanted to sign the Cameroon international for less than they were willing to offer 12 months ago after an impressive season.