Manchester United has secured a club-to-club agreement to sign midfielder Ederson from Serie A side Atalanta for a reported fee of up to €45 million.
The official announcement remains pending due to his international commitments.
The Brazilian midfielder received a late call-up to represent his country at the World Cup in North America following an injury to Roma full-back Wesley Franca.
The finalization of the transfer will roll on until the tournament concludes.
Old Trafford officials have finalized personal terms and completed the first part of the medical examination in New York.
The player must undergo the second official portion of his medical tests in England before the deal is formally approved.
"Certainly, everything is almost done, but now I have to enjoy this moment.
This is a wonderful experience and you have to enjoy the most," said Ederson when questioned by reporters while at the World Cup late last month.
The transfer brings much-needed reinforcement to manager Michael Carrick, who faces a depleted midfield after Casemiro departed on a free transfer.
Manuel Ugarte suffered a serious knee ligament injury playing for Uruguay that could sideline him for up to a year.
"They (Man Utd) have a verbal agreement with Atalanta," said transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel.
"So the two clubs have an agreement since one month ago."
Romano explained that the administrative documents are prepared but the clubs are waiting for the final medical checks.
"But they're waiting for Ederson to have the second part of his medical with Manchester United in England before approving everything," said Romano.
The journalist assured supporters that the underlying transfer agreement remains fully intact despite online speculation suggesting otherwise.
"So verbal agreement club-to-club, documents prepared, first part of the medical [done] but waiting on the second part of the medical, the official one with Manchester United.
That's why Ederson to Man Utd is not official yet," said Romano.
Ince Backs Ederson to Shine at Old Trafford
Former Manchester United captain Paul Ince offered his assessment of the incoming midfielder to BestBettingSites, noting that adaptation to the Premier League will require patience.
"He's tenacious, and he has plenty of legs. He is one of those players I mentioned before who can get up and down the park.
He can defend, and technically he is very good – you have to be when you play in Serie A, especially for a team like Atalanta.
He can tackle, and for me, he is a proper all-rounder," said Ince.
Ince shared his personal experience moving from England to Italy to illustrate the challenges of transitioning between major European leagues.
"Listen, it is always difficult for a player making that transition.
It was for me when I went from Manchester United to Inter – it takes time to settle in.
For the first three months, I couldn't speak the language, but then Roy Hodgson came over as manager and things started to settle down for me.
It will take time for Ederson to settle into English football, so he needs to be given that patience.
But once he is settled, you've got a very good all-round player," said Ince.
The former skipper expressed optimism about the impact the midfielder will make under Carrick's tactical system.
"But people like Ederson, as I said, will be great for Manchester United.
I'm just not sure how Carrick is going to play him or exactly where he fits in alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes.
But he is a very good player, and I think the United fans will really enjoy watching him," said Ince.
United Also Monitoring Other Midfield Targets
Beyond the Ederson deal, Manchester United is exploring further midfield recruitments, with links reported to Juventus player Khephren Thuram, Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, and Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha.
"The two names I've heard most prominently are Alex Scott at Bournemouth, there's been contact from United to explore the parameters of a deal, and the problem is Bournemouth are very insistent that they do not want to sell… the other name is Felix Nmecha," said insider Mark Critchley as reported by TEAMtalk.
Critchley noted that Nmecha's past connection with club official Jason Wilcox could assist with squad registration rules.
"He knows Jason Wilcox well, being a former Manchester City academy player, and there's potential for him to fit the homegrown quota, which is an issue United face this season," said Critchley.
Financial valuations from German reports regarding Nmecha have not altered United's monitoring of the Bundesliga market. "There's reports in Germany of his fee being over €100m (£86m).
I don't think that's dissuaded United; there's a sense that Dortmund are a sensible club and are often a selling club," said Critchley.
Concurrently, Juventus is reportedly open to lowering its initial £42.9 million asking price for Thuram to between £34.7 million and £39 million as the Italian club works to secure free agent Franck Kessie.
"Juventus? Yes, they're talking about it, I've seen it," said Kessie regarding his transfer discussions.
"I'm a great signing.
In form, at the World Cup, and above all, a free agent, it's hard to ask for more!"
Kessie indicated that active negotiations are taking place regarding his next professional move. "That's why so many want me, and they're right.
My agent is working, I'm getting a lot of calls, and I repeat, it's normal: I'd take him too in these physical and financial conditions," said Kessie.
Manchester United's recruitment department continues to evaluate these midfield alternatives as the squad prepares for its upcoming Champions League campaign.
