Manchester United are yet to announce their first signing under new head coach Michael Carrick, but the club is making progress on multiple fronts. Atalanta midfielder Ederson is expected to join for £35m once Brazil's World Cup campaign ends, while a major update has emerged on long-term target Rafael Leao. Additionally, goalkeeper Dermot Mee has accepted a new two-year contract to remain at Old Trafford.
Rafael Leao Transfer Agreement
According to Sky Sport Italia, AC Milan have agreed to let Rafael Leao leave if they receive an offer between £51m and £60m for the 27-year-old winger. Leao, currently representing Portugal at the World Cup, has expressed his desire to leave the Italian giants this summer and has been heavily linked with Manchester United.
The fee would represent a healthy profit for Milan, who paid £42.4m to Lille for his services in 2019. Leao told Sport TV: "I think I gave Milan everything I could give. It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club's history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they want, the goals they want to achieve. And I also want to take on a new challenge in a new league."
Milan are reportedly open to letting Leao leave on loan with an obligation to buy next summer but would prefer a permanent sale. United's need for attacking reinforcements is clear, given the departures and injuries in the squad.
Dermot Mee Signs New Contract
Goalkeeper Dermot Mee has accepted a new two-year deal to continue his stay at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old's contract expired this week but was kept on after being offered fresh terms. Mee has yet to make a first-team appearance for United but has played 27 times for the U21s and gained senior experience on loan at Altrincham, Trafford, Runcorn Linnets, and Witton Albion.
United's announcement of the extension read: "The academy graduate will continue to provide excellent support and competition for the goalkeeper group. The Birmingham-born stopper, who has represented Northern Ireland at youth level, has played a key role in first-team training in recent years, whilst representing United’s Under-21s side in competitive fixtures. The impressive 23-year-old is continuing to develop with this latest contract renewal a further reward for his contributions. Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Dermot on his new deal."
Transfer Window Outlook
With Casemiro's exit and Manuel Ugarte's long-term injury, at least one midfielder is expected to arrive to bolster Carrick's options. Ederson's move from Atalanta is imminent but will be confirmed after Brazil's World Cup participation ends. United are also monitoring other targets as they look to strengthen the squad for the upcoming season.
