Manchester United could complete three transfers over the weekend as the club begins to accelerate its summer recruitment plans.
Goalkeeper Karl Darlow and midfielder Andrey Santos are close to finalising their moves to Old Trafford. United are also progressing with a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who is undergoing an extended medical assessment in Manchester.
The club has already agreed the main terms of all three transfers and could soon announce the first arrivals of a busy period in the market.
Karl Darlow Set to Join on a Free Transfer
Darlow is expected to sign for United after leaving Leeds United when his contract expired last month.
The 35-year-old will arrive without a transfer fee and is likely to serve as an experienced back-up to Senne Lammens.
Leeds offered Darlow a new contract following a season in which he made 22 Premier League starts. The goalkeeper has instead decided to move across the Pennines and continue his career at Old Trafford.
His arrival is connected to a wider change in United’s goalkeeping department, with three current options expected to leave the club this summer.
Andre Onana has already returned to Trabzonspor on another loan agreement. Altay Bayindir is also likely to move back to Turkey on a permanent basis.
Radek Vitek is expected to depart in search of regular first-team football. United may consider selling the 22-year-old after he impressed during a successful loan spell with Bristol City.
Andrey Santos Nears £50m Move From Chelsea
United agreed a £50m fee with Chelsea for Santos earlier this week.
The 22-year-old has since been completing his medical tests and is expected to formally join the club in the coming days.
Santos is set to sign a five-year contract at Old Trafford. His arrival would provide United with another young central midfield option as they reshape the squad before the new season.
The Brazilian has been identified as a player who can contribute immediately while also developing over the longer term.
Both Santos and Darlow could complete their transfers as early as this weekend.
Ederson Undergoes Further Medical Checks
United are also continuing their work on a deal for Ederson.
The club has decided to conduct a more detailed medical examination before completing the midfielder’s transfer from Atalanta.
Some initial tests took place while Ederson was representing Brazil at the World Cup. Following his country’s elimination, the 27-year-old travelled to Manchester to finish the remaining checks.
Reports had suggested that the transfer might be in danger of collapsing, but negotiations remain on course. The deal is expected to proceed once the final stage of the medical has been completed.
United Agree Fee and Contract With Atalanta Midfielder
United have reached an agreement with Atalanta worth an initial £35m.
The Italian club could receive another £3.8m through performance related add-ons included in the deal.
Ederson has also agreed personal terms with United. He is expected to sign a four-year contract that includes an option for a further season.
The midfielder would add physical strength, energy and experience to a United squad undergoing another summer rebuild.
With Darlow, Santos and Ederson all close to completing their moves, the club could finish the weekend with three new additions and greater momentum in the transfer market.
