By Arinze Izik

Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with the deal potentially becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that United officials traveled to Italy last week to hold discussions with Atalanta over a move for the 26-year-old. The club is still weighing whether to proceed and finalize the transfer.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said: “Man Utd have to decide internally whether they want to proceed, go, close the deal and get Ederson, or go for other midfielders. The Ederson deal is advanced with the player for sure, the club is in conversations with Atalanta for sure.”

United are targeting two central midfielders this summer. Casemiro will leave when his contract expires, and the club is open to letting Manuel Ugarte depart. Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson has been a priority target, but Manchester City are also pushing to sign him before the World Cup.

Even if United secure Anderson, they are expected to pursue another midfielder. Ederson has emerged as a leading option after a strong season with Atalanta. He made 30 Serie A appearances and nine Champions League appearances as the Italian side reached the round of 16 before losing to Bayern Munich.

The Brazilian missed four games early in the season with injury and was absent for Atalanta’s final match against Fiorentina amid transfer speculation. Manager Raffaele Palladino confirmed it was a mutual decision, saying: “Ederson out? It was a decision we agreed with the boy because there’s something going on in the transfer market. The fact that such a player is being followed by such a big club should be a source of pride.”

United have not yet given a final green light on the deal and are still reviewing other midfield candidates.