Manchester United are reportedly close to sealing a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, as per respected journalist Andy Mitten.

Mitten has also shared positive insights he has received from his sources regarding the Brazilian player’s qualities and character.

Reinforcing the midfield is considered a top priority for United ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.

With the club preparing for UEFA Champions League football and aiming for a potential Premier League title challenge, squad depth—particularly in midfield—has become crucial, especially following Casemiro’s departure and with Manuel Ugarte expected to leave soon.

In recent weeks, Ederson has emerged as a primary target for the Red Devils. Personal terms have already been agreed upon, while negotiations with Atalanta continue. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano earlier mentioned that the move is likely to happen unless there is a late twist in proceedings.

Providing an update, Mitten stated that the deal could be finalised within the next 24 to 48 hours. He also elaborated on what he has learned about the 26-year-old midfielder.

“Manchester United and Atalanta of Bergamo have not yet reached a complete agreement for Ederson, the Brazilian box-to-box midfielder. However, I’ve spoken to people in Manchester, Bergamo, and other Italian cities, and I believe an agreement is very close.”

Mitten mentioned that he has spoken to some of Ederson’s former teammates, who described him as an “athletic box-to-box midfielder with Champions League experience.”

The transfer fee for Ederson is expected to be around £35 million.

Mitten continued, “I’ve been told he’s a good character. Not all Brazilian players have the calm and balanced personality that Ederson possesses, but he’s one of the good ones. I met him a couple of years ago when he was playing for Salernitana and spoke to one of his teammates. I asked if he spoke English, and he said, ‘No, I don’t think he does.’”

“Later, I spoke to someone in Bergamo who knows him well, and they said, ‘Yes, yes, he speaks English.’ So I still need to clear up that little mystery.”

Mitten added, “I fully expect the deal to be completed within the next 24 to 48 hours.”

The expectation is that Ederson will join as a key midfield addition, indicating that United may also pursue other significant signings in the same area.

While several other clubs were reportedly interested in Ederson, United appear to have beaten the competition to his signature.

“He had multiple admirers, mostly from Italy and one from Spain, which shows how highly rated he is. I was told that at present, there’s no midfielder in Serie A who matches Ederson’s level. I’m quite encouraged by the feedback I’ve received,” Mitten shared.

Alongside Ederson, Manchester United are also monitoring other midfielders such as Mateus Fernandes of West Ham and Elliot Anderson of Manchester City.