United close in on Ederson as McTominay's value doubles since Napoli move

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with talkSPORT reporting that a verbal agreement has been reached over a potential five-year contract and discussions between the two clubs ongoing over a £43 million transfer fee.

The move comes as Michael Carrick prepares to oversee his first summer window as permanent United manager, a role he was handed after steering the club to third place in the Premier League — secured by a 3-0 win over Brighton on the final day of the season. That finish guarantees a return to the Champions League next term.

Ederson, the Brazilian midfielder not to be confused with the former Manchester City goalkeeper of the same name, could be the first of multiple midfield additions at Old Trafford. With Casemiro set to depart when his contract expires and Manuel Ugarte’s future uncertain, United are reportedly targeting at least one further central midfielder, with Elliot Anderson identified as another option despite his significant price tag.

Meanwhile, Scott McTominay — sold to Napoli for £26 million in 2024 — has continued to thrive in Italy, and former World Cup winner Marco Materazzi believes United let him go for a fraction of his true worth.

“I love Scott McTominay,” Materazzi said. “When he established himself as a young player at United, I told my son he would become one of the best in the world. And now he is. He is an incredible box-to-box player. I still don’t understand how Manchester United could sell him for so little. In my opinion, he’s worth £70m.”

McTominay has justified that valuation with another impressive campaign at Napoli, helping the club win the Serie A title last season and qualify for the Champions League this term, while also lifting the Italian Super Cup. The Scotland international is expected to play a central role for his country at this summer’s World Cup.

Carrick’s task this summer is to reshape a midfield that lost one of its most consistent performers in McTominay and now faces further upheaval with Casemiro’s imminent exit. Landing Ederson would represent a significant statement of intent from United’s new permanent manager.