Ederson has confirmed that a move to Manchester United is 'almost all sorted' after making his World Cup debut. The Atalanta star is one of the Red Devils' priority targets for the summer transfer window, with Michael Carrick determined to overhaul his midfield ahead of next season.
A £35million deal has already been thrashed out with the Italian side but the formalities of any deal have yet to be finalised. It was thought that United would be forced to wait, with Ederson having earned a call-up to Brazil's squad for the World Cup in place of the injured Wesley.
But the man himself has now spoken out and suggested that a deal is all-but done. Speaking to Tuttosport, he said: 'It's practically almost all sorted.'
And while he is expected to complete a move to Old Trafford soon, Ederson has said that he is relishing the chance to appear at a World Cup for his country for the time being. He added: 'I have to make the most of this moment. I am here and it is a wonderful thing, something you must always live to the fullest.'
Ederson's World Cup Debut and Future at United
Ederson, 26, has now earned four caps for Brazil during his career, the latest coming in the form of a brief cameo against Haiti in the South American side's 3-0 win against Haiti. He is not expected to be the only midfield addition for United this summer.
The Red Devils have also been linked with a host of rival midfielders this summer including Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton, albeit the former now looks set for a move to rivals Manchester City instead.
West Ham's Mateus Fernandes had also been identified as a potential target for the club but it appears that United have been beaten to his services by Tottenham Hotspur, who are reportedly close to agreeing a deal.
Expert Analysis on United's Midfield Needs
Speaking about the club's midfield dilemma, former United coach Renee Meulensteen said: 'United need to sign at least two, if not three midfielders this transfer window. That's the position where they have to really, really strengthen, especially with more competitions coming up.
'Now, that could be Ederson or Anderson. They've got similar qualities, but Anderson comes with a massive price tag, which makes you really question whether or not they can realistically go for him, so Anderson might be out of reach for United this summer.
'Anderson has obviously had an outstanding season, and he's gained interest from the biggest clubs in the league. Which just makes his price just go up and up and up, and then it's a matter of who is willing and who is capable of paying that price. I don't think Man United will pay that for Anderson. I think they do have funds, but to spend so much money on one player, it would be a big shout.
'I always like good, technical footballers in the midfield. I've liked Adam Wharton for United for a while now, because he is so good on the ball, very calm under pressure. He finds any of those front five with one decisive pass, and he rips the opposition right open, and I love that.'
