Manchester United are confident of announcing their first summer signing this week.
With Michael Carrick now confirmed as the club’s permanent manager on a two-year deal, with the option of a further 12 months, work is already underway on improving his first-team squad.
Carrick’s priority is to replace Casemiro, who will leave at the end of the season after a rollercoaster four years at the club.
With the Brazilian’s eye-watering £350,000-a-week salary set to come off the wage bill, Carrick is expected to use the freed-up funds to sign two new midfielders.
The first is likely to be Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
According to widespread reports, a deal has been agreed with the former Chelsea target and a transfer to Old Trafford is now expected.
Sky Sports report that talks between the two clubs are now in the final stages, with United set to pay a guaranteed £35million, with a further £3m in add-ons. An complete agreement is expected to be reached by the end of the current week.
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Brighton's Carlos Baleba and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes have all been mooted as options for a second midfield signing.
Tonali is said to have a gentleman’s agreement with Newcastle to leave following the club’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
According to Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle want around £86m to sell Tonali but United would only be willing to fork out £70m.
There is reportedly confidence a compromise will be reached, especially with Chelsea now not expected to pursue interest in the Italian.
Baleba was pursued last summer, only for Brighton to stand firm on their £105m-plus asking price.
United are not expected to go anywhere near that figure this summer, and it remains to be seen if Brighton would lower their demands after underwhelming season for the player.
Fernandes will certainly be leaving West Ham this summer following West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Hammers must raise funds and Fernandes is one of very few players in the squad who will attract potential suitors.
Fernandes was expected to attract a similar fee to what Newcastle want for Tonali, but the West Ham’s hands has been significantly weakened.
