Ederson and Mateus Fernandes: Man United’s plan unveiled | OneFootball

Manchester United are preparing plans to deliver a one-two knockout blow to radically overhaul their midfield unit this summer, a new report reveals.

Ederson is the starter

The Red Devils have been locked in negotiations with Serie A side Atalanta to sign Ederson after hijacking Atletico Madrid’s move for the Brazilian. United hold a long-standing interest in the 26-year-old enforcer, who has established himself as one of the best midfielders in Italy since joining Salernitana in 2022, before signing for La Dea six months later.

Atalanta’s prohibitive asking price deterred INEOS from advancing on a deal last summer. However, with only twelve months remaining on his contract in Bergamo, they are now prepared to do business at a reduced rate.

United are understood to have broadly agreed a package worth around £38 million, though the final details are still yet to be signed off. The player has already communicated his wish to become a Red Devil after agreeing a five-year contract.

It is believed to be more a matter of ‘when’, not ‘if’ the Campo Grande native will arrive in M16. However, the club’s hierarchy show no signs of resting on their laurels despite being on the verge of completing the first signing under Michael Carrick.

Fernandes is the main course

An inside source reveals United are ramping up their pursuit of Mateus Fernandes, with plans underway to make the West Ham starlet their second recruit in midfield.

The engine room is in desperate need of an overhaul as Casemiro’s contract is set to expire and Manuel Ugarte has proven an incapable deputy. The Uruguayan will be sold if a suitable offer arrives for his services.

Despite Fernandes facing the ignominy of successive relegations, first with Southampton and now with the Hammers, the 21-year-old dynamo has emerged as one of the most in-demand prospects in Europe this summer. United are joined by Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle in their admiration of the Portugal international, while Paris Saint-Germain are understood to have made contact over a deal.

However, United have held positive negotiations with his camp, and are now “planning further talks” to strike a deal “once a transfer for Atalanta’s Ederson is finalised,” according to the highly-trusted source.

Fernandes considers his namesake at United, Bruno, an idol, and is understood to view Old Trafford as a “dream” destination, giving INEOS a major advantage over their rivals in the hunt for his signature.

“Those at Old Trafford have had ongoing contact with Fernandes’ representatives for a while, and he’s very open to a move, which he considers a dream transfer. The fee will be key in determining the final outcome of talks.

“At the same time, Premier League champions Arsenal remain interested in the Portuguese international, and while Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked, it’s understood that their transfer priorities lie in attack.”

West Ham are said to be demanding up to £80m for Fernandes, though their negotiating position has been severely weakened with relegation and the need to boost finances by around £150m. It is predicted a bid in the region of £60m may be enough to prise him away from east London.

Interestingly, the same source also claims a “fee of around £35 million” has been agreed for Ederson, slightly cheaper than initial reports suggested, further justifying United’s decision to engage in protracted negotiations with Atalanta.

Final Thoughts – Who is dessert?

United’s priority this summer is a ‘marquee’ signing to succeed Casemiro, a high-level defensive midfielder with the requisite physical and technical qualities to effectively replace the Brazilian behemoth.

Fernandes is an all-action dynamo, capable of playing across a variety of roles, but he is not a No.6. Ederson appears to be a versatile option available on a cut-price deal, a market opportunity as much as a primary target.

This leaves the prospect of the Red Devils still plotting to spend big on a world-class operator to take the throne from Casemiro, with a certain Real Madrid superstar appearing the perfect candidate.

Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images

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