Man Utd midfield rebuild takes shape: Santos and Ederson deals near completion despite missing top targets

Manchester United are closing in on two midfield additions, with a £50m agreement for Chelsea's Andrey Santos and a £38m deal for Atalanta's Ederson, who is set for a medical. The moves come after the club failed to land their primary targets in a highly competitive market. Elliot Anderson joined Manchester City for £116m, while Mateus Fernandes moved to Tottenham for £85m. Spurs also snapped up Sandro Tonali for £100m, another midfielder United had monitored but never pursued. Real Madrid's Aurelien Tchouameni, high on United's list, signed a new contract, and Bournemouth's Alex Scott remains off limits. Director of recruitment Christopher Vivell, who brought Santos to Chelsea, pushed for the Brazilian. The 22-year-old is seen as a defensive, combative option who can also play deeper or further forward. Ederson, 26, has impressed in Serie A and the Champions League but is untested in the Premier League. With Manuel Ugarte out long-term, Kobbie Mainoo is currently the only fit senior central midfielder at Old Trafford. Mason Mount filled the role on occasion last season, but the squad remains thin as Michael Carrick's side prepare for a Champions League return. Santos offers versatility and is highly rated by the Brazilian federation, despite making only 13 Premier League starts last season. The club believe he can develop into a key player, even if he is not yet at Tchouameni's level. Bournemouth's Scott remains a target, but the Cherries are adamant he is not for sale as they prepare for their first European campaign.