Manchester United are in advanced discussions to sign Ederson from Atalanta as their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Sources close to the negotiations say a deal for the Brazilian midfielder is nearing 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.
Despite the growing speculation, senior officials at Manchester United insist no final agreement has yet been reached for the midfielder, who has one year remaining on his contract with the Serie A side.
The move comes as United continue efforts to strengthen their squad following an impressive third-place finish under new head coach Michael Carrick.
The club recently announced third-quarter profits of £37.7 million for the nine months ending March 31, with chief executive Omar Berrada expressing optimism about the club’s progress on and off the pitch.
However, United still face significant financial obligations, including large outstanding transfer payments that make up the bulk of the club’s £482 million listed under trade and other payables.
Even so, the club remains determined to stay active in the transfer market while avoiding the long-term, high-cost contracts that have previously created financial strain.
Strengthening central midfield has emerged as a priority this summer following the departure of Casemiro and uncertainty surrounding the future of Manuel Ugarte.
United are believed to be targeting at least two midfield additions, although one of their preferred options, Elliot Anderson, is reportedly leaning towards a move to Manchester City.
Ederson appears to have emerged as United’s preferred target after spending the last four and a half seasons in Italy, first with Salernitana before establishing himself at Atalanta.
The midfielder, who has earned three caps for Brazil national football team, narrowly missed out on selection for the FIFA World Cup squad.
Spanish giants Atletico Madrid had also shown interest in Ederson, but have reportedly shifted focus to Joao Gomes of Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Other midfielders linked with United include Mateus Fernandes of West Ham United and Carlos Baleba of Brighton & Hove Albion.
South American football expert Tim Vickery believes Ederson’s energy, composure on the ball and ability to cover ground make him an ideal fit for Manchester United’s midfield rebuild.
He compared the Brazilian’s style to that of Bruno Guimaraes and noted that Ederson has consistently impressed despite playing in difficult environments throughout his career, from his early days at Cruzeiro to his rise with Atalanta in Serie A.
Manchester United have revealed that it cost the club £16.7 million to part ways with former manager Ruben Amorim.
The figure was disclosed in the club’s latest financial accounts following Amorim’s dismissal in January, less than 14 months after United paid £11 million to bring him from Sporting CP.
Amorim was relieved of his duties after a difficult run of results and reported disagreements with director of football Jason Wilcox over the team’s playing style.
Former United midfielder Michael Carrick then stepped in on an interim basis, guiding the club to 12 wins in 17 matches as the Red Devils secured a third-place finish after initially targeting a Europa League spot. Carrick has since been handed the role on a permanent basis.
The club’s financial report also showed that borrowings under its revolving credit facility stood at £262.5 million as of March 31.
Combined with the £490.1 million debt linked to the Glazer family’s 2005 takeover and outstanding transfer fee obligations, Manchester United’s total debt across its three major categories remains just below £1.3 billion.
Despite the financial challenges, chief executive Omar Berrada insisted the club is making progress both on and off the pitch.
He pointed to the “continuing positive impact” of the club’s business transformation plans, which have included two rounds of staff redundancies.
United also confirmed that planning and development work is continuing behind the scenes on the club’s proposed new 100,000-seat stadium project.