Manchester United are planning to make up to five signings during the summer transfer window, according to The Times.
The Red Devils recently reached a verbal agreement with Atalanta for the purchase of midfielder Ederson.
They have agreed an initial transfer fee of £35 million for the 26-year-old, with a further £3m in the form of performance add-ons.
The Brazil international will undergo his medical early next month before putting pen to paper on a four-year contract with United.
The Times report that the Red Devils are planning four more signings for manager Michael Carrick and are expected to sign at least another midfielder.
Real Madrid’s Aurelien Tchouameni, Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson and Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba are among the names on their wishlist.
The club are also planning to recruit a left-sided winger alongside another striker. A left-back could be pursued as well, given the higher workload next term.
Carrick is prepared to trust upcoming academy graduates, aside from players, to be brought in.
United have big transfer decisions to make
United have already confirmed Casemiro’s free-transfer exit and could also offload Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan ace has been placed on the transfer market.
Ederson appears to be a fantastic addition to the squad for the reported fee. He can comfortably play as a defensive or central midfielder and has a tireless work rate.
The Brazilian completed 89 percent of his passes in Serie A last term, and could be seen as a decent upgrade on Casemiro with his extra mobility in the centre of the park.
Still, the club need another marquee number six. Tchouameni would be a perfect signing for the role, but Jose Mourinho’s arrival at Madrid could hamper a move.
If Florentino Perez is re-elected as Madrid’s president, he plans to appoint Mourinho, who is known to prioritise a strong defensive set-up in his formations.
The Portuguese tactician will no doubt close the door on Tchouameni’s exit. Similarly, it appears United won’t enter a bidding battle with Manchester City for Anderson.
Baleba and West Ham United’s Mateus Fernandes are alternatives. It was reported yesterday that the Red Devils are preparing an offer for the latter of those players.
Fernandes may not be a household name compared to Tchouameni, but United appear to believe in his immense potential and could negotiate a suitable deal with the Hammers.
Meanwhile, there are no standout targets for the left wing and centre-forward positions. A new striker may eventually depend on Joshua Zirkzee heading for a permanent exit.
Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is being considered as a competitor to Luke Shaw for the left-back role, but the £50m price tag means a deal could depend on how much budget is saved.
United have some big decisions to make this summer. If they can secure the right players for Carrick, the club will stand a good chance of lifting some silverware next season.