Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Youri Tielemans after a series of setbacks in their search to strengthen the club’s midfield ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have identified the Belgium international as their next priority after missing out on several transfer targets, including Elliot Anderson, who is set to join Manchester City, and Mateus Fernandes, who opted for Tottenham Hotspur instead.
United also suspended a proposed £35 million move for Atalanta and Brazil midfielder Ederson after medical examinations raised concerns over a knee issue.
With those deals failing to materialise, the Old Trafford club has accelerated talks for Tielemans, who is understood to have a release clause in his Aston Villa contract, making negotiations more straightforward.
The 29-year-old has been admired by United for some time, with the club valuing his vast Premier League experience and ability to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s midfield options.
Tielemans recently featured for Belgium at the FIFA World Cup but was forced to miss his country’s quarter-final defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
Meanwhile, United are expected to complete the signing of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, who has reportedly undergone a medical ahead of a £48 million move.
Club officials have also indicated that additional signings are expected before the transfer window closes.
Although the Ederson transfer has been shelved, sources say the move has not been abandoned permanently and could be revisited later in the transfer window under revised financial terms.
United insist, however, that the pursuit of Santos was already well advanced and was not prompted by the collapse of the Ederson deal.
The club continues to prioritise reinforcing its midfield as it prepares for the new campaign, with Kobbie Mainoo currently the only experienced orthodox central midfielder available in the squad.
