Manchester United are poised to secure Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, following an agreement for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, marking Michael Carrick’s first transfer window as manager.
United have prioritized midfield reinforcements after qualifying for the Champions League and appointing Carrick earlier this month. While Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest was initially a key target, reports indicated a potential move to Manchester City prompted the club to accelerate their pursuit of Ederson.
Sky Sports confirms that negotiations for Ederson are in their final stages. The initial fee is expected to be €40.5 million, with an additional €3.5 million in potential add-ons, and a full agreement is anticipated by the end of the week. Ederson’s current contract with Atalanta is set to expire next summer, contributing to United’s ability to secure a deal.
Alongside Ederson, United have identified Tonali as a primary target. Calciomercato reports that the 26-year-old is ‘the first name’ on Carrick’s list. Tonali is expected to depart Newcastle after the club failed to qualify for European competition, attracting interest from Arsenal and Manchester City as well.
Newcastle are expected to demand a fee of around €100 million for Tonali, but sources suggest that United are undeterred. The club is preparing a ‘decisive assault’ to secure the Italian international, with personal terms already reportedly agreed. Newcastle are also reportedly exploring potential replacements, including Inter’s Aleksandar Stankovic.
Sources are ‘convinced’ that Tonali will ultimately join United, forming a new midfield partnership with Ederson under Carrick. The club will then likely shift focus to strengthening their forward line and left-sided defense. The addition of these two players would significantly bolster United’s midfield options ahead of the new season.
