Man Utd immediately decide next transfer after moving closer to Ederson deal

Manchester United have decided on their second summer signing, it has been reported, as they close in on a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

Brazil midfielder Ederson is expected to complete a move to Old Trafford imminently and become Michael Carrick's first signing as permanent United manager.

He was left out of Atalanta's final Serie A match of the season to protect him from picking up an injury that could have scuppered a summer move.

And with the 26-year-old having not been named in Brazil's World Cup squad, he will be able to join up with his new United team-mates on the first day of pre-season.

According to Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas, United are at the 'final stages' of talks with Atalanta over a deal worth a guaranteed £35 million, plus a further £3 million in add-ons.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson is reportedly close to signing for Man Utd (Image: Getty)

Casemiro is set to leave Old Trafford this summer and, with major doubts over the future of Manuel Ugarte, it may be that United need to sign up to three new midfielders in the upcoming transfer window.

Man Utd choose second summer transfer

Pete Hall, of the i Paper, is now reporting that United have already identified which player they want to add to their midfield next.

He claims that West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes has been chosen as a top target.

Club chiefs are said to be positive over Fernandes' 'ability to receive the ball over the pitch', and that the Portuguese midfielder has chosen United as his first choice.

Negotiations with the selling club will likely not be a significant issue, given that the Hammers have been relegated from the Championship and reportedly need to raise up to £180 million in player sales this summer.

READ MORE: West Ham consider cancelling player's contract two years early after disastrous spell

Along with Fernandes, star forward Jarrod Bowen could be another big-money sale for West Ham and has previously been linked with United and Liverpool among others.

Bowen signed a new seven-year contract with the Hammers back in 2023, keeping him at the London Stadium until the summer of 2030.

It is unclear as yet, however, as to whether the England forward - who missed out on a spot in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad - is planning to leave West Ham or intends to stay on board and help them earn immediate promotion to the Premier League.