Manchester United are accelerating their summer transfer business under new permanent manager Michael Carrick, with three signings potentially finalized before Monday and several more targets identified. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, midfielder Andrey Santos, and Atalanta midfielder Ederson are the closest to joining, while the club also eyes Manu Kone, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Neco Williams.
Darlow and Santos Close to Completion
Karl Darlow, 35, is set to join on a free transfer after leaving Leeds United when his contract expired last month. He will serve as understudy to Senne Lammens following the departure of three goalkeepers from Old Trafford this summer. Darlow played 22 Premier League matches for Leeds last season and was offered new terms at Elland Road, but is now expected to move across the Pennines to United.
Meanwhile, a £50 million deal with Chelsea for Brazilian midfielder Andrey Santos, 22, was agreed earlier this week. Santos has been undergoing medical tests and is poised to sign a five-year contract. Both Darlow and Santos could finalize their transfers as early as Friday.
Ederson Undergoes Comprehensive Medical
United have agreed a £35 million fee with Atalanta for Ederson, plus £3.8 million in add-ons. Personal terms on a four-year contract with an option for a further year have also been agreed. Initial medical tests were conducted during the World Cup, but after Brazil's exit, the 27-year-old travelled to Manchester for a more thorough assessment. Despite rumours of a potential collapse, the deal remains on track as Ederson prepares for the final stage of his medical.
Additional Transfer Targets
According to TEAMtalk, United are keen on France midfielder Manu Kone, 25, who impressed at the World Cup. Kone is under contract at Roma, who are reportedly willing to consider offers around £50 million. United also continue to view Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, 26, as a dream target, though manager Jose Mourinho is thought to want to keep the £85 million-rated star and offer him a new contract.
BBC Sport reports that United have registered interest in Nottingham Forest defender Neco Williams, 25, a former Liverpool player who could cost up to £40 million.
Goalkeeping Departures
Andre Onana has already returned to Trabzonspor on loan, while Altay Bayindir is expected to secure a permanent move back to Turkey. Radek Vitek, 22, will also depart to guarantee regular first-team football after a successful loan spell at Bristol City, and United could benefit financially from his exit.
Pre-Season Underway
United's squad returned to Carrington on Thursday to begin pre-season preparations. Their first friendly is against Wrexham on Saturday, July 18, in Helsinki, Finland.
