United close in on Ederson signing as Rashford future and Leao interest dominate summer agenda

Manchester United are on the verge of completing their first summer signing after agreeing a fee with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, with the deal structured at an initial £35 million plus £3.8 million in add-ons and a medical pencilled in for early July.

The Italian club’s midfielder is set to be the first piece of a significant midfield overhaul at Old Trafford. United are also in active pursuit of West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, though the recently relegated Hammers have placed an £80 million asking price on the Portuguese international — a figure that represents a substantial obstacle to any agreement.

In attack, AC Milan forward Rafael Leao has emerged as a primary target as United prepare for a return to the Champions League. Galatasaray have already submitted the first formal bid for the Portuguese winger, but Leao is understood to prefer a move to the Premier League, giving United leverage in any potential negotiation.

At the back, United are readying a £35 million offer for Borussia Dortmund centre-back Waldemar Anton. The move faces complications, however, with Dortmund’s manager reluctant to sanction the sale amid an ongoing injury crisis in their defensive ranks.

Marcus Rashford’s future remains unresolved following a productive loan spell at Barcelona, where he contributed 14 goals and 14 assists. Barcelona hold a £26 million purchase option but are hesitant to meet that valuation and are seeking to renegotiate the terms, leaving Rashford in an uncertain position heading into the summer.

In the goalkeeping department, veteran Tom Heaton has signed a new one-year contract to remain at Old Trafford, where he is regarded as a key dressing-room figure and a leadership influence on captain Bruno Fernandes. His retention makes backup Altay Bayindir surplus to requirements, and the Turkish international is expected to be sold. Separately, Trabzonspor’s president has expressed confidence that the club will permanently sign Andre Onana, who spent last season on loan and has no clear future at United.

Chief Executive Omar Berrada has confirmed that United’s transfer strategy this summer will broadly follow the blueprint used last year, combining Premier League-proven talent with targeted signings from abroad.