Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans as the club looks to reinforce its midfield following setbacks in the transfer market.
The Red Devils have made strengthening the center of the pitch a priority this summer but have already missed out on several leading targets. Elliot Anderson is set to join Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes has chosen Tottenham Hotspur over a move to Old Trafford.
United had also reached an agreement worth around £35 million with Atalanta for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, but the proposed transfer has now been put on hold after medical concerns emerged.
Tielemans has since become the club’s leading target. Sources indicate his Aston Villa contract includes a release clause, simplifying negotiations, with talks now at an advanced stage and an agreement believed to be close.
The 29-year-old has been admired by United for a number of years and is viewed as an attractive option because of his extensive Premier League experience. He was also an important player for Belgium during their run to the World Cup quarter-finals before missing the team’s 2-1 defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
United’s need for midfield reinforcements has become increasingly clear, with Kobbie Mainoo currently the club’s only experienced natural central midfielder. The England international has yet to feature during his country’s World Cup campaign.
Meanwhile, the collapse of Ederson’s proposed move followed further medical examinations after initial checks in the United States identified an issue with his knee. The 27-year-old traveled to England for additional assessments following Brazil’s last-16 exit against Norway, with specialist consultations ultimately convincing United not to proceed with the transfer under the agreed terms.
Although the move has been abandoned for now, there remains a possibility it could be revisited later in the transfer window if circumstances change. However, United are not expected to return with the same financial package that had previously been agreed.
Club officials are understood to sympathize with Ederson’s situation but believe withdrawing from the deal was the right decision for the club’s long-term interests.
United are also preparing to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos. The Brazilian has already undergone his medical ahead of a reported £48 million transfer, with the announcement of the move expected early this week. Club sources insist Santos’ arrival was planned independently and was not influenced by the complications surrounding the Ederson transfer.