Manchester United could make three midfield signings in the coming weeks, with one deal very close to completion
Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick's new-look midfield appears to be taking shape(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Manchester United are moving quickly in the transfer market as they continue to overhaul their squad before the new campaign.
Having focused on improving the defence and attack over the last two seasons, United are now concentrating their efforts on midfield. Casemiro's exit has created a major gap in the squad, while uncertainty continues to surround the futures of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount, leaving central midfield as a key area for further recruitment.
While the club have missed out on a number of top targets - including Elliot Anderson, Matheus Fernandes and Sandro Tonali - they've wasted no time in exploring other options. United are now expected to continue their recruitment drive by completing three midfield signings over the coming weeks.
Agreements have reportedly been reached for two of those arrivals, with one player currently waiting to undergo a second medical examination. With that in mind, here is the latest roundup of Manchester United transfer news.
Third midfield target 'emerges'
Despite reportedly reaching agreements to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson and Chelsea's Andrey Santos in transfers worth a combined total of approximately £85million, United are not expected to stop there.
Fresh reports from TEAMtalk suggest the club are also keen on France midfielder Manu Kone, who has caught the eye with his performances at the World Cup. The 25-year-old is currently under contract at Italian club Roma, who are reportedly prepared to consider offers in the region of £50m
Manu Kone.
Manu Kone has been impressing at the World Cup(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Although Kone was not viewed as one of United's leading targets at the beginning of the summer, the high asking prices attached to Premier League midfielders such as Brighton's Carlos Baleba, Bournemouth's Alex Scott and Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton - together with Kone's impressive World Cup displays - appear to have persuaded the club to pivot.
Kone initially joined Roma on loan from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2024 before completing a permanent transfer for £15m in 2025. If Roma receive a fee close to £50m, they will have more than tripled their investment after only one full season in Serie A.
Ederson preparing for second medical
Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson is expected to undergo a second medical with Manchester United's medical staff in the coming days, according to Fabrizio Romano. United are believed to have agreed a deal worth £35m, plus a further £3.8m in add-ons, for the 27-year-old back in June, although the official announcement was delayed because of his involvement at the World Cup.
The Atalanta player Ederson celebrating during the match Lazio-Atalanta at the Stadio Olimpico
Ederson is on the verge of joining Man Utd(Image: Getty)
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Now that Brazil have been knocked out of the tournament, Ederson is free to complete the remaining formalities of the transfer. Reports indicate he completed an initial medical assessment in the United States while away on international duty and will now undertake the second stage of his medical in the UK.
Ederson is also reported to have agreed a four-year contract at Old Trafford and is set to become the 11th Brazilian to represent Manchester United - unless Andrey Santos arrives before him.