Manchester United are preparing to intensify their pursuit of Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali.
A €44 million (£38m) deal with Atalanta for Ederson is close to being agreed, with the player already accepting a five-year contract.
United view the Brazilian as just one part of a new-look engine room designed to replace Casemiro.
Tonali has emerged as a priority target. The 26-year-old Italian international offers the blend of technical ability and tactical intelligence that Michael Carrick’s system demands.
He has been described as ‘brilliant‘ by former United star Paul Scholes. The Red Devils’ pursuit has been boosted by Newcastle’s failure to qualify for the Champions League.
The St James’ Park outfit may need to sell a key asset to stay compliant with Premier League financial rules.
However, that could be Anthony Gordon, who is now wanted by Barcelona. Bayern Munich are also monitoring his situation.
With a Champions League campaign on the horizon, the urgency is clear. Ederson first, then Tonali – Carrick’s vision for the midfield is becoming clear.
The two signings are viewed as complementary rather than overlapping.
Signing Ederson and Tonali would be a major statement of intent from the INEOS regime, arming Carrick with one of the most balanced and technically gifted midfield duos in world football.
