Manchester United near Ederson as Fernandes denies Keane

Manchester United are close to finalizing a deal to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta, while captain Bruno Fernandes has publicly accused former club captain Roy Keane of spreading falsehoods about his comments regarding the Premier League assist record.

Discussions between the clubs have progressed significantly, with multiple reports indicating a full agreement is near. The proposed transfer fee is approximately 48 million euros, with potential add-ons that could raise the total to between 50 and 53 million euros. Personal terms are reportedly being finalized, with Ederson discussing a five-year contract. The 26-year-old is viewed as a key target to bolster United’s midfield and is expected to replace veteran Casemiro, who has already played his final match for the club. Ederson has made 180 appearances for Atalanta since joining in 2022, scoring 16 goals. The move would represent one of the most expensive departures in Atalanta’s history and would be an early signing in the first permanent transfer window under head coach Michael Carrick, who recently signed a long-term contract.

Separately, Fernandes has strongly rejected criticism from Keane, who on a podcast...