Second Man Utd midfield signing after £38m Ederson ‘on his way’ | Football | Sport

United are making it a priority to strengthen their midfield for Michael Carrick this summer. According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Tonali could soon be on his way to Old Trafford.

Casemiro is leaving Old Trafford, and the Reds have already conceded defeat in the pursuit of Elliot Anderson this summer. The club have, however, made headway in their long-standing pursuit of Ederson from Atalanta. The midfielder was omitted from the Serie A side’s final fixture of the season last weekend to shield him from injury amid United’s growing interest.

United are believed to be edging closer to securing a deal for the 26-year-old, with a package valued at up to £38m. Ederson is not anticipated to be a direct replacement for Casemiro, though there is confidence he is a player capable of adapting swiftly to the demands of the Premier League.

Ederson is set to leapfrog Manuel Ugarte in the pecking order. The former PSG ace is available for transfer. Yet as United intend for him to provide additional depth, their midfield ambitions do not stop there, with the club eager to make a statement signing for the position.

Speaking earlier this year, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe insisted the Magpies were not as exposed as they were when they sold Isak to Liverpool.

“Obviously in the summer we didn’t have a sporting director, which massively impacted our way of working in terms of dealing with agents and dealing with that situation,” Howe said.

“We were in a more vulnerable position than we are now. Ross [Wilson] has filled that position and is showing really good leadership dealing with transfers and all the things that entails. We are in a stronger position now to navigate those waters in a much calmer, clearer way.”