Man Utd close to Youri Tielemans transfer in blockbuster double signing | Football | Sport

Manchester United are in advanced talks over a surprise summer move for Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans. It comes after the Red Devils agreed a deal to sign Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who is expected to officially join the club this week. United have been chasing midfield additions throughout the window but have been left frustrated up to now.

Earlier this summer, they reached an agreement with Atalanta for the services of Ederson, but complications during his medical saw the move collapse at the eleventh hour. Now, it has emerged that United are closing in on a move for Tielemans.

According to the Manchester Evening News, negotiations are at an advanced stage with the Red Devils working to finalise the deal. Tielemans is said to be keen on the move, which suggests personal terms are unlikely to be an issue.

United have reportedly activated the player’s £35m release clause, leaving Villa powerless to stop him from leaving. It’s claimed they had no desire to sell and even offered Tielemans a new deal, but he made it clear that he wanted to move to Old Trafford.

The report adds that United have decided to abandon their interest in Ederson, although a move could be revisited later in the summer depending on what happens in the market.

A deal worth around £39million had been agreed with Atalanta, in addition to personal terms, and the midfielder completed some initial medical tests before travelling to the World Cup.

However, following Brazil’s surprise exit in the round of 16, Ederson underwent another round of medical checks, after which United pivoted on the deal.

Tielemans, meanwhile, remains contracted to Villa until 2028 but is reportedly eager to leave the club after United registered their interest. A number of teams were reportedly interested in signing him before he decided to push for a move to Old Trafford.

With talks progressing swiftly, it seems the move could be announced within the next few days. United will also shortly confirm the arrival of Santos, who is set to join the club in a deal worth £48m plus another £2m in bonuses.

A third midfielder, Cristian Orozco, is also poised to officially become a United player by the end of this week. A deal was agreed to sign the teenager from Colombian outfit Fortaleza earlier this year.

Orozco is celebrating his 18th birthday today, meaning United can now officially register him as a player. He has already touched down in England to acclimatise and prepare himself for the move.

United have additionally signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, with that move set to be announced in the coming days as well.

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