Manchester United appear to be on the verge of signing Ederson from Atalanta as the first deal of the summer transfer window.
Manchester United are on the hunt for new midfielders this summer, with Casemiro having already left the club and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow.
After Roundtable's report - which stated Michael Carrick would have a say in transfers, unlike Rúben Amorim - it is crucial that any potential midfield target appeals to Carrick, as well as the recruitment staff.
It appears that Atalanta's Ederson is one who Carrick approves of, as all signs are pointing towards the Brazilian moving to Old Trafford before the World Cup, although he was not called up by Carlo Ancelotti.
However, it has been revealed that one club - not Atletico Madrid, despite their recent interest - tried to make a late swoop for Ederson, but Fabrizio Romano has revealed what his reaction was.
Ederson reacts to late interest
A late move for the 26-year-old could have forced United to up their bid, or even their wage package, despite already agreeing personal terms, but thankfully, that does not appear to have been the case.
On his YouTube channel, Romano said: "So, the agreement Manchester United Ederson is done. The player said yes to Man United. The contract is ready. It is a five-year deal.
"Ederson wants to go to United. As I said last week, another club, which is not Atletico Madrid, called over the recent days, but Ederson said: ‘Wait, until there is Man United, I am going nowhere. I wait for United’".
The deal is yet to be complete, but Ederson's immediate rejection of other interest suggests that it could be wrapped up quite quickly.
Michael Carrick and Jason Wilcox will be pleased to hear how keen Ederson is on the move, likely helped by United's return to the Champions League for next season.
It's not over yet
Despite a clear desperation from Ederson's side, the deal is yet to be completed, as it is now up to United and their recruitment staff.
"What’s needed is Man Utd final approval," Romano continued. "Man Utd have been working on this deal for weeks, but it’s now Man Utd among several targets they have in midfield who have to say, okay, let’s proceed, let’s close the deal.
"They have advanced for sure verbally. Now it’s Utd to put the final touch and close this deal for Ederson. But for sure, he’s very close."
United appear to be assessing their options ahead of finalising the deal. It seems most people expect the Ederson transfer to be completed, but him to play a more second-choice role, rather than as a set starter.
Director of Football Wilcox seems to be exploring moves for Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni. It is likely United will only sign one of those, and they will be the first-choice to start alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
However, United have also been heavily linked with Mateus Fernandes, who would be looking to provide competition for the England international.
