Casemiro's parting gift to Man Utd as midfielder 'recommends' transfer to club

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Casemiro provided Manchester United with guidance of who to sign as his successor before leaving Old Trafford - recommending Atalanta star Ederson, per reports in Brazil. The midfielder is expected to join Michael Carrick's squad later this summer in a deal valued at up to £39million .

Veteran midfielder Casemiro's contract runs out at the end of the month after h e bid farewell to fans in May, concluding his four-season stint . The former Real Madrid icon endured difficult periods in the Premier League but proved instrumental in United's Champions League qualification as they secured third place, ultimately reshaping perceptions of his time at the club.

Bolstering United's midfield was already a priority for Carrick and the recruitment department, but Casemiro's departure has left them short of personnel to control the centre of the park. Manuel Ugarte is also expected to leave, meaning Kobbie Mainoo will have limited support beyond the more attack-minded options of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount .

Atalanta and Manchester United have arranged a 'decisive meeting' for Tuesday, according to reports in Brazil. The discussion should prove crucial in finalising the remaining aspects of a deal for the player endorsed by Casemiro.

United may face a longer wait than anticipated to secure Ederson's arrival , however. The 26-year-old was set to join United ahead of pre-season preparations, but the Atalanta star earned a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

Ederson has now joined forces with Casemiro under Carlo Ancelotti, and the tournament's final takes place after United's opening pre-season fixture. Consequently, the club have been compelled to revise their schedule.

The transfer could potentially be finalised during the World Cup, though this would require cooperation from both the player and the Brazilian football federation (CBF). While United have struck a four-year deal with the option of an additional year with Ederson, several matters remain outstanding.

The former Corinthians and Fortaleza midfielder, who has earned just three caps, must still complete a medical and will need to sign the necessary documentation to finalise his move to Old Trafford.

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A more probable scenario would now see Ederson undergo his medical and complete any remaining formalities once Brazil's World Cup campaign concludes. Ederson will then be afforded a summer holiday before the new campaign begins.

United's midfield recruitment won't stop at Ederson, though. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes have both been mentioned in connection with Old Trafford.

The club regard the latter as a 'highly realistic option' following West Ham's relegation to the Championship. They could still encounter competition from Real Madrid. A deal for Tonali could prove more challenging, with the Magpies placing a £100m valuation on the Italian midfielder.

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