Manchester United will take a significant step towards completing their first signing of the transfer window with Brazil World Cup start Ederson set to undergo a medical in New York.
The Atalanta midfielder was an unused substitute during Brazil’s opening Group C match against Morocco which finished in a 1-1 draw.
Ederson was only called into the Selecao squad following an injury to Wesley, ahead of which his eagerly anticipated move to United had virtually been agreed.
Michael Carrick is hoping to make significant additions to a squad that currently looks ill-equipped to deal with the rigours of combining domestic and European commitments next season.
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Having lost Casemiro, strengthening in midfield represents a priority for Carrick and the addition of Ederson, assuming he passes his medical as per corrieredellosport represents a solid start to United’s transfer business at a cost of £35m.
United and Carrick, however, are ready to admit defeat in their attempts to recruit Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest, with the England international set to join Manchester City in a move that could end up costing over £120m.
A number of other midfielders, including the likes of Carlos Baleba, Adam Wharton and Alex Scott, remain on United’s radar but, according to Fabrizio Romano, the club are likely to drop their interest in Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.
The Italy international, who is also coveted by Arsenal and Juventus, and his Newcastle teammate Lewis Hall, also a primary Untied target, would cost a combined fee of between £120 – £130m which is deemed too expensive, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Whether United get a glimpse of Ederson in action at the World Cup remains to be seen, but the prospect of him featuring may well have been enhanced after Brazil’s lacklustre start to the tournament.
Ancelotti’s side were left with questions to answer after a disjointed display in which they were repeatedly stretched by their opponents’ pace and movement.
‘I don’t think we started the match well, the team was a bit nervous, we lost possession too often and lost too many challenges. The first half wasn’t good,” said Ancelotti, who noted that his sidegot better after the break.
‘It improved in the second half; it’s a tough match because Morocco are a good side.
‘I think there was a bit of nervousness. In the first half they were breaking out of our press and making dangerous counter-attacks.’
His Morocco counterpart Mohamed Ouahbi added: ‘If you’re asking me if I want to have the same trajectory (as in 2022), no, I want to go beyond the semi-finals this time.
‘This was one point but we hoped to have more. One point is good enough and we will improve.’