Man Utd target €115m star as Romano warns of Ederson hijack

Manchester United’s summer plan to sign midfielders is progressing at pace, with a deal for Ederson close and a bid for Brighton star Carlos Baleba planned.

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With Casemiro leaving Old Trafford at the end of his contract, United need to reinforce the heart of Michael Carrick’s side.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that they are close to snapping up Ederson – even if there has been a hijack attempt – but perhaps the most intriguing development of recent hours has been the revelation that the Red Devils are still interested in Baleba.

Man Utd in renewed Baleba links

United have spent months tracking Brighton’s Cameroon international star. They attempted to sign him last summer but were put off by his huge asking price.

Although Baleba’s performances have not been to the same standard this time around, The Independent reports that the Seagulls will continue to ask for a price of around €115 million (£100m).

For United, it is a make-or-break moment in their pursuit of the 22-year-old. Tottenham are stepping up their interest in Baleba, and the belief is that his previous work with Roberto De Zerbi at the AmEx Stadium could give Spurs an advantage.

Given the Red Devils refused to bow to Brighton’s demands last summer, it would be surprising if they were to move for the 22-year-old at the price being discussed after a comparatively disappointing campaign during which he spent periods on the bench.

Ederson pledges future to Man Utd amid hijack attempt

One deal that does appear to be accelerating rapidly towards a conclusion is that for Atalanta midfielder Ederson – despite the best efforts of an unnamed club to beat Man Utd to the Brazil international midfielder.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that all that needs to be completed for the move to be completed is one final sign off from the Premier League side.

“Manchester United are getting really, really close now, and the first signing could be Ederson from Atalanta,” Romano told his YouTube channel.

“United basically flew to Italy with a delegation to start conversations on several topics. Don't forget that, for example, the agents of Sandro Tonali are in Italy, and there are more things they can discuss, for example exits for the summer transfer window.

“We know they are always very active on the Italian market. Remember Rasmus Hojlund, remember Joshua Zirkzee, remember Patrick Dorgu and many other players.

“Now, in this case, for Ederson. The agreement between Manchester United and Ederson is done. The player says yes to Manchester United. The contract is ready. It's a five-year deal.

“Ederson wants to go to United. As I said last week, another club, which is not Atletico Madrid, called over the recent days. But Ederson said: ‘Wait, until there is Manchester United, I'm going nowhere. I wait for United.’

“Now United are close to completing the agreement with Atalanta for €45m. Payment terms are being discussed, instalments and all the rest.

“But Ederson is very, very, very close to becoming a new Manchester United player.

“What's needed is final approval. Now it's Manchester United who have to say: ‘OK, let's proceed. Let's close the deal.’

“They have advanced, for sure, verbally. Now it's United to put the final touch and close this deal for Ederson.”

Ederson is widely expected to become Michael Carrick’s first signing as Man Utd manager.

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