Manchester United close in on three midfield signings as Ederson nears second medical

Manchester United are pushing toward three midfield signings this summer, with Atalanta’s Ederson set to undergo a second medical as the club accelerates its squad overhaul under permanent manager Michael Carrick.

United reportedly agreed a £35m fee, plus £3.8m in add-ons, for the 27-year-old Brazilian back in June, but the deal stalled while Ederson remained on World Cup duty. With Brazil now eliminated from the tournament, he is expected to complete the final stage of his medical in the UK after an initial assessment was conducted in the United States during the international window. He has reportedly agreed a four-year contract at Old Trafford.

Alongside Ederson, United have also reportedly agreed terms to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, with the two deals combined worth approximately £85m. The moves address a significant gap left by Casemiro’s departure, with the futures of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount adding further uncertainty to the club’s engine room.

A third target has now emerged. United are said to be interested in Roma’s Manu Koné, the 25-year-old France international who has caught the eye at the World Cup. Roma would reportedly accept bids in the region of £50m for the midfielder, who joined the club from Borussia Mönchengladbach on loan in 2024 before his transfer was made permanent for £15m in 2025.

Koné was not among United’s primary targets at the start of the window, but inflated asking prices for Premier League-based alternatives — including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Bournemouth’s Alex Scott and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton — have prompted the club to look elsewhere. His form on the international stage has only strengthened the case for a move.

United had previously missed out on several midfield targets this summer, including Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali, but appear to be moving decisively to avoid further setbacks before the Premier League season begins next month.