Manchester United are closing in on the signings of Andrey Santos and Karl Darlow as they look to step up their summer transfer business. Standard Sport understands that while Man Utd are yet to reach a full agreement for either player, there is an expectation that both deals will be finalised imminently.
Santos and Darlow Deals Progressing
As reported earlier in the week, United have agreed to pay Chelsea £48 million plus an additional £2 million in performance-related add-ons for Brazilian midfielder Santos. Darlow, meanwhile, is expected to join United on a free transfer to provide back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens after leaving rivals Leeds at the end of June following the expiration of his contract.
Both players are expected to undergo medicals in the coming days, while it has been reported that Atalanta midfielder Ederson is also undergoing a medical ahead of his proposed £38.8 million move to Old Trafford.
Ederson Medical Underway
United agreed a deal for Ederson in early June, and the 27-year-old is reported to have now undergone the first of two medical tests after his signing was delayed by a late call-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad as an injury replacement for Wesley Franca. Following the Selecao’s shock last-16 exit at the hands of Norway last weekend, Ederson is now expected to formalise his switch to Manchester - provided the club are satisfied with his medical.
Midfield Reinforcements Sought
United are in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer and identified Ederson and Santos as cut-price alternatives to Mateus Fernandes, who joined Tottenham for £85 million earlier this month. United had been interested in signing Fernandes, but walked away from negotiations when it became apparent that Spurs were prepared to match West Ham’s significant valuation. Santos is viewed as a market opportunity for United, with the 22-year-old keen to play regular first-team minutes and Chelsea open to a sale.
Goalkeeper Addition
United are also keen to bring in another goalkeeper, with Altay Bayindir expected to leave in search of first-team opportunities, and identified 35-year-old Darlow as an experienced deputy for Lammens.
