Manchester United close in on Tielemans as Andrey Santos deal nears completion

Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Youri Tielemans from Aston Villa, with the two clubs in advanced talks and the 29-year-old having made clear his desire to move to Old Trafford. Tielemans still has two years remaining on his Villa contract.

The Belgium captain brings substantial Premier League experience to United’s midfield rebuild, having previously played for Leicester City before joining Villa. He captained Belgium at this summer’s World Cup, though a minor injury forced him out of their quarter-final defeat to Spain.

The move represents something of a surprise, but Tielemans fits United’s current transfer model — a player with proven Premier League pedigree who adds both quality and experience to a midfield that has been a clear area of focus this window.

Tielemans looks set to follow Andrey Santos through the door at Old Trafford. United have agreed a £50 million package with Chelsea for the 22-year-old Brazilian, who is expected to complete his move on Monday.

United are also monitoring a potential third midfield addition in Atalanta’s Ederson. A £35 million deal, with £3.8 million in add-ons, was agreed last month, but United have paused the signing after a medical raised concerns over a knee injury. The club has not ruled out proceeding, though they would look to renegotiate the terms with Atalanta before doing so. Ederson is out of contract next summer, though Atalanta are now reportedly keen to tie him down to a new long-term deal.