United close in on Ederson deal as Fernandes battle with Spurs heats up

Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson and expect to formalise the deal after the Club World Cup concludes, as the club’s summer midfield overhaul gathers pace.

Ederson had been due to feature in United’s pre-season programme before receiving a late call-up to Brazil’s squad for the tournament. The possibility of him completing his medical in the United States during the competition was considered, but the transfer will now be finalised once his international commitments are over.

United’s attention will then sharpen on West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, with the club yet to submit a formal bid but expected to move once the new financial year begins on July 1. Tottenham are also in the running and are reported to be willing to meet West Ham’s £85 million valuation. Spurs can offer higher wages, but United’s third-place Premier League finish last season means they can put Champions League football on the table — an advantage that could prove decisive if the financial packages are otherwise comparable.

Tottenham’s interest is complicated by a parallel pursuit of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali, which may limit their capacity to move on multiple fronts simultaneously.

Beyond Fernandes, a third midfield signing has not been ruled out. United are keen to offload Manuel Ugarte, whose potential departure would help offset further transfer expenditure. Ugarte sustained an injury during Uruguay’s defeat to Spain in the early hours of Saturday morning, and the extent of that knock could yet affect his prospects of securing a move away from Old Trafford.

On the attacking front, United are monitoring West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville as they assess options on the left side of the squad. The club are expected to add either a left forward or a left back this summer, rather than both. Danny Welbeck has also been considered as a striker option to share the load with Benjamin Sesko, who joined last summer after United fended off competition from Newcastle.

In terms of outgoings, goalkeeper Andre Onana is closing in on another loan move to Trabzonspor, though the club are understood to be unwilling to make the arrangement permanent at this stage.