Manchester United have reportedly performed a dramatic U-turn on the £38m signing of Atalanta midfielder Ederson following a medical
Ederson's move to Manchester United is now reportedly off
Ederson's move to Manchester United is now reportedly off(Image: Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
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Manchester United have reportedly reversed their decision and will not be signing Ederson. United had agreed personal terms with the midfielder and struck a deal with Italian club Atalanta worth up to £38million in early June.
However, the Mirror claim that an underlying knee issue has derailed the transfer following a medical examination in the UK. Ederson, 27, has been eager to join the Reds and hinted during the World Cup that the move was all but confirmed.
Despite this, multiple reports emerged on Friday evening indicating that the Brazilian international will not be heading to Old Trafford. However, other reports claim the process is ongoing for three possible signings, including Ederson, and that the deal is not off.
Ederson had been a summer target for Atletico Madrid, but they turned their attentions to Wolves’ midfielder Joao Gomes instead. United have scouted him previously during his four years at Atalanta and looked poised to sign him as part of an overhaul of their midfield this summer.
The priority is to sign an elite-level No. 6 to replace Casemiro, with Aurelien Tchouameni among the leading targets for that role. United are also edging closer to a £48m deal for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos.
The Brazilian has been cleared for a medical as United's senior players prepare to return for pre-season training on Thursday, and it goes some way to addressing what has been a major issue.
Manuel Ugarte was set to be sold, but the Uruguay international has been ruled out for an extended period with cruciate ligament damage. The Reds' hopes of signing Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest faded when it became apparent it would cost in excess of £110m.
United turned their attention to West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, but the Portuguese joined Tottenham Hotspur instead after the north London outfit offered a guaranteed £85m.
With Kobbie Mainoo still at the World Cup with England, United faced opening their pre-season campaign against Wrexham in Helsinki on July 18 with Mason Mount as the only recognised senior midfielder in Michael Carrick's squad.
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