Manchester United have reached an agreement with Atalanta to sign Brazil midfielder Ederson for a fee of £35 million, according to BBC Sport. The 26-year-old is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract at Old Trafford, with an option for a further 12 months.

The transfer is expected to be completed in early July, ahead of United's return to pre-season training, though Ederson still needs to pass a medical. An additional £3.9 million in performance-related payments is also included in the agreement.

He will be the club's first acquisition since Michael Carrick was confirmed as permanent head coach last month, and could be the first of as many as three central midfield recruits this summer.

Filling the gap left by Casemiro

United's midfield has been left exposed following the impending departure of Ederson's fellow Brazilian Casemiro, 34, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the month. Carrick's side are treating the midfield as a primary area for reinforcement.

Ederson has shown considerable versatility across multiple central midfield positions during his time at Atalanta, registering 16 goals in 180 appearances for the Serie A club across all competitions. He holds three international caps for Brazil and was included in Carlo Ancelotti's 55-man extended World Cup squad, though he did not make the final cut.

Other midfield targets

United are also monitoring West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, though the relegated London club are seeking a significant profit on the Portugal midfielder, who cost them more than £40 million when he moved from Southampton last summer.

England midfielder Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest is another name on United's list, although the player is reported to favour a move to Manchester City.

Goalkeeping and other positions

Beyond midfield, United are looking to add a left-sided player to their ranks — Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is among those being considered — as well as attacking support for Benjamin Sesko.

The club's goalkeeping situation also remains unresolved. Radek Vitek, 22, impressed during a loan spell at Bristol City, winning every player of the year award at the club. The Czech goalkeeper told BBC Sport in April that he wants regular playing time, which makes a return to Old Trafford as backup to Senne Lammens unlikely.

Meanwhile, former first-choice André Onana has reportedly been informed he can seek a new club. However, the Cameroon international's wage demands may complicate any exit, particularly given that United's qualification for next season's UEFA Champions League will see his salary increase.

Data-led recruitment under Carrick

United's recruitment process has been reshaped under minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, with data analysis operations revamped by Michael Sansoni — a former senior performance engineer at the Mercedes Formula 1 team. Sansoni has played a prominent role in identifying transfer targets alongside director of football Jason Wilcox.

Carrick confirmed he has been involved in recruitment discussions since he was named temporary successor to Ruben Amorim in January.