United in talks with Atalanta's Ederson as Anderson and Dorgu shape summer plans

Manchester United have held talks with Atalanta over a move for midfielder Ederson, with the 26-year-old potentially becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window under head coach Michael Carrick. Progress has been made, but sources indicate negotiations are not as far along as reports in Italy have claimed.

Ederson, who has made 180 appearances for Atalanta, is valued for his versatility across the midfield — capable of operating as a deep-lying pivot or as a No.8 — and averaged 10.6km per game in the Champions League this season. His arrival, if completed, would not replace United’s ambition to sign a marquee midfielder to succeed Casemiro, for whom the club have earmarked significant investment.

Elliot Anderson is the leading name on that marquee shortlist. Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira has acknowledged the England international could be sold this summer, but United face serious competition from Manchester City. The club are unwilling to be drawn into a bidding war, though their interest remains firm — Anderson made an impression when he visited Old Trafford as Forest lost 3-2 earlier this month.

Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni has been identified as a dream target, but the Frenchman is expected to remain in the Spanish capital for Jose Mourinho’s first season back at the Bernabeu. United are also monitoring West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, who is set to leave the club following their relegation, though whether United would pursue three midfielders in the same window remains uncertain.

On the left flank, the departure of Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho leaves a gap that United are looking to fill. RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is on the club’s radar, but a reported asking price of £85m in Germany is considered unrealistic given that a midfield signing takes priority in the budget.

Patrick Dorgu’s encouraging return from injury has complicated the picture. The wing-back was in strong form before a January setback and impressed in his first start back on Sunday, operating on the left wing. Carrick’s staff are considering whether that could become his permanent position, potentially allowing United to pair him with Matheus Cunha on the left flank and avoid a costly wide addition altogether.

Luke Shaw has started every Premier League game this season, though United have played their fewest matches in a campaign for 100 years, which has limited the pressure on the left-back position heading into the window.