Man Utd Set For Fresh £39m Ederson Talks After Year-Long Pursuit

Manchester United are on the hunt for several midfielders this summer. From the outside looking in, it seems they are targeting two types of midfielders: high-profile options to replace Casemiro, and cheaper targets who could replace Ugarte and backup Kobbie Mainoo. 

Elliot Anderson and Aurélien Tchouaméni have been mentioned as the high-profile players who could replace Casemiro. Earlier this year, it seemed United were also eyeing Sandro Tonali and Adam Wharton, but the lack of reports suggest they may have chosen to move on to other options. 

As for the second midfielder, Mateus Fernandes and Ederson seem to be the only real options to make the Old Trafford switch. However, Fernandes will not come cheap, especially if West Ham United can avoid relegation from the Premier League. 

Ederson seems to be a cheaper option, and potentially more realistic as Alfredo Pedulla has reported that United have been tracking the Brazilian for over a year and a half. 

On Thursday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano took to X to share the latest update on United's tracking of Ederson. 

He confirmed fresh talks are set to be held in the coming days, although Ederson is one of several names being considered and not United's only option. 

Romano also said that Ederson would be "open" to joining United. Michael Carrick's third-place finish in the Premier League - therefore, securing Champions League football - was likely key in that matter. 

Atalanta are expected to ask for £39 million for Ederson's signature - a fee which could be much cheaper than West Ham United's demand for Mateus Fernandes. 

With Manuel Ugarte looking likely to leave this summer, along with Andre Onana and Joshua Zirkzee, United may be able to fund a move for Ederson without dipping into their transfer budget. 

If he were to join United this summer, Ederson would immediately join up with the squad for pre-season, having been left out of Brazil's squad for the World Cup. 

Not only would this help him settle in, but it would allow Michael Carrick to test potential partners alongside him, including Mason Mount and academy players who could make up the numbers in the Champions League next season. 

Ederson would not be expected to start every game for United, but provide a solid backup option to the high-profile Casemiro replacement who also joins this summer. 

However, with the Champions League next season, Ederson will have plenty of opportunities to prove his quality and potentially gain a starting spot alongside Kobbie Mainoo, or even instead of the England international.