Youri Tielemans is reportedly close to joining United from Aston Villa (Image: Getty)
Manchester United are in talks over a surprise summer move for Aston Villa playmaker Youri Tielemans. This comes after the Red Devils agreed a deal with Chelsea midfielder Andrej Santos, who is expected to officially join the club this week. United have been chasing more midfield points throughout the period but have been left unsatisfied so far.
Earlier this summer, Atalanta reached an agreement to add Ederson, but the move fell through at the 11th hour after complications arose during his medical checks. It has now been revealed that United are close to signing Tielemans.
According to the Manchester Evening News, negotiations are at an advanced stage and the Red Devils are working towards a deal. Tielemans is said to be keen on the move, suggesting personal terms are unlikely to be an issue.
United have reportedly triggered the player’s £35m release clause, leaving Villa unable to prevent him from leaving the club. They have no intention of selling and are said to have offered Tielemans a new contract, although Tielemans has made it clear he wants to move to Old Trafford.
The report adds that United have decided to abandon interest in Ederson, but a move could be considered again later in the summer depending on what happens in the market.
He has agreed a deal with Atalanta worth around £39m on top of personal terms, and the midfielder has completed some initial medical tests before heading to the World Cup.
However, following Brazil’s surprise exit in the round of 16, Ederson underwent another medical, after which United changed course on a deal.
The midfielder is thought to have a release clause of around £35m. (Image: Getty)
Tielemans, meanwhile, has a contract at Villa until 2028 but is reportedly keen to leave the club after United showed interest. A number of teams were reportedly interested in signing him before he pushed for a move to Old Trafford.
Negotiations are progressing rapidly and it appears that an announcement could be made within the next few days. United are also expected to announce the arrival of Santos soon, with Santos joining the club on a deal worth £48m plus £2m in bonuses.
A third midfielder, Cristian Orozco, is also expected to officially become a United player by the end of this week. A deal was agreed to sign the teenager from Colombian side Fortaleza earlier this year.
Orozco celebrates his 18th birthday today, meaning United can officially register him as a player. He has already arrived in England to acclimate and prepare for the move.
United have also signed goalkeeper Karl Darlow on a free transfer from Leeds United, with another move expected to be announced in the coming days.
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