Manchester United have suffered a transfer blow after midfield target Ederson verbally agreed to join Atletico Madrid, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Man United have made bolstering their central midfield the priority ahead of the summer transfer window, with a key focus on players with Premier League experience.
However, they aren't completely ruling out players plying their trade internationally either, as they look to find the right players to help them next season and beyond.
On the pitch, caretaker manager Michael Carrick is currently focused on ensuring the Red Devils qualify for next season's Champions League, as they look to return to Europe's elite club competition for the first time since they were eliminated in the group stage of the old format in 2023.
United look on course to do exactly that, with Carrick currently leading the team in third position, with a six-point cushion to Liverpool in fifth place.
A top-five finish is expected to be enough to guarantee a spot in the Champions League for 2026-27, given England leads the UEFA club coefficient rankings.
Ederson 'Verbally Agrees' to Join Atletico Madrid
Ederson celebrating after scoring for Atalanta
It was reported by Rudy Galetti in the last week that United had made fresh contact over a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who they have been long-term admirers of.
The 'out of this world' Brazilian has been a consistently impressive performer for the Serie A club in recent seasons, and he could now get his move to a bigger club.
According to Romano, posting on X, the 26-year-old has verbally agreed personal terms to make a move to the Spanish capital with Atletico, dealing a blow to United after their recent talks over the midfielder.
Ederson is out of contract in Bergamo in just over 12 months' time, with Atletico and Atalanta yet to agree on a fee for his services.
Man United Could Focus on Premier League Midfielders
elliot anderson
While United have been linked with Ederson, Stuttgart's Angelo Stiller and Leon Goretzka at Bayern Munich, there has been a clear focus on Premier League experienced midfielders as part of their strategy.
GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed that Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson is their number one target, although they face stiff competition from rivals Manchester City for his signature.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali are also on their shortlist.
United are looking to add two midfielders to their squad as it was seen as a weak position in the squad even prior to Casemiro announcing in January that he would be leaving the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.