Ederson to Man Utd transfer update given as Atalanta chief speaks out | Football | Sport

Michael Carrick could be closing in on his first signing as Manchester United boss after Ederson was left out of the Atalanta squad on Friday night. United finally confirmed on Friday morning that Carrick is staying as head coach after agreeing a deal until 2028.

Then, a couple of hours later Ederson was an unused substitute in his side’s 1-1 draw with Fiorentina. Although Atalanta boss Raffaele Palladino stopped short of naming United, he revealed the reason behind Ederson’s absence was because of a transfer.

He 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.”

It was claimed earlier this week that United have held talks with Atalanta over a deal for Ederson. The Italian side are reportedly keen on a fee of £34.5million plus a further £4.3m in add-ons for the midfielder.

There has been a growing expectation that United’s major moves in the summer market will come in midfield. However, with Casemiro departing, securing reinforcements in the middle of the park is now even more important for the Red Devils this summer.

Elliot Anderson is understood to be at the top of United’s transfer shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window. Both United and Manchester City are monitoring the England international’s progress before a potential move for the £100million-rated Nottingham Forest star.

Since joining Forest from Newcastle United in the summer of 2024, the 23-year-old has established himself as one of the best young midfielders in the Premier League. Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be keen on signing Anderson this summer, but a two-way battle between City and United is expected to take place.

When asked if Anderson would stay at the City Ground, Forest boss Vitor Pereira admitted last weekend: “This is an answer that I don’t have.

“The market is the market, everything can happen. What I can say to you is the club wants to keep him playing for us for sure.

“The club wants to keep the players. This is a very good group with quality, with character and we are in a very good place for the next season.”