Atalanta midfielder Ederson has reportedly made up his mind over a potential transfer to Manchester United. The Red Devils are being strongly linked with a move for the Brazilian, and it now appears that the likelihood of the midfielder completing a switch to Old Trafford has grown considerably.
The Manchester Evening News reported on Saturday that United have made significant headway in their pursuit of the midfielder and could make him the club’s first acquisition of the summer window.
Some outlets have even claimed that a verbal agreement has already been struck between United and Atalanta over a deal for the 26-year-old ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano has now reported that Ederson is giving United every opportunity to seal a deal by refusing to enter discussions with any rival clubs.
The renowned transfer specialist has revealed that Ederson has “paused” negotiations with other interested parties and is focusing his attention entirely on United as the Red Devils and Atalanta work towards reaching an agreement.
United are said to be in advanced talks to secure Ederson’s signature this summer, yet are still to reach a definitive decision to allow the midfielder to formally complete his move to Old Trafford.
It has been widely reported that United will be looking to strengthen their midfield when the summer transfer window opens, as they seek a replacement for Casemiro, who is set to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season.
Ederson is understood to be valued by Atalanta at £38.3million, comprising an initial fee of £34.5m plus additional add-ons.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino recently offered an update on Ederson’s future after the midfielder was as an unused substitute in the Serie A side’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina on Friday evening.
Palladino said: “Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market.
“The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”
Ederson is not the only midfielder to have been linked with a switch to United this summer, with Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson also emerging as a target.
Anderson is believed to feature on United’s shortlist of potential signings, with Manchester City also said to have registered an interest in the England international, who is reportedly valued at around £100million.