Man Utd ‘draw up eight-man shortlist’ for next transfer after £38m Ederson | Football | Sport

Manchester United’s transfer team are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to overhauling their midfield. Having spent big on their attacking options last summer, United are keen to do the same, but this time in the centre of the park.

The Red Devils waved goodbye to Casemiro at the end of the season, and are said to be open to letting Manuel Ugarte leave during the transfer window. As such, they’re in need of midfield additions, with the Red Devils believed to have drawn up a shortlist of eight potential options.

Making up part of that list, as per The Sun, is long-time target Elliot Anderson, who is also attracting interest from United’s rivals, Manchester City. The Blues are believed to be in pole position to sign the Nottingham Forest man, who will compete for England at the World Cup.

But the extent of their midfield shortlist doesn’t end there, with Sandro Tonali, Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton, Alex Scott, Aurelien Tchouameni, Joao Gomes and Matheus Fernandes also included. Both Gomes and Fernandes could be available at a cut price, given Wolves and West Ham were relegated from the Premier League this season.

The same can’t be said about Alex Scott, who has enjoyed a stellar season for Bournemouth, helping to guide them into the Europa League. Similarly, Wharton has been fantastic for Crystal Palace en route to the Conference League final, with plenty of suitors believed to be taking an interest in the 22-year-old.

Tonali is being tipped to leave Newcastle following their disappointing season, Baleba has existing interest from United, while Tchouameni was recently involved in a bust-up with Real Madrid team-mate Federico Valverde and could be shown the exit door.

Said targets are likely to be courted alongside Ederson, whose long-awaited exit from Atalanta is expected to be confirmed this summer. United have emerged as the favourites to sign the 26-year-old, with personal terms said to have already been agreed between the player and club.

Atalanta and United are believed to be negotiating the structure of a deal, with the expectation that the Premier League side will be happy to splash £38m on his signature. The Brazil-born ace has one year left on his contract at Atalanta – something United are looking to use to their advantage.