Sources: Man United explore two more midfield signings after Andrey Santos deal agreed
Manchester United are exploring moves to sign two more midfielders after completing a deal for Andrey Santos, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils are closing in on confirming Santos' arrivals after they reached an agreement worth a total of £50million to sign the Chelsea midfielder.
However, their business is unlikely to slow down after signing the 22-year-old, with Michael Carrick demanding multiple midfield additions ahead of the new season.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Carrick wants to sign three new midfielders this summer, with Santos the first of those.
Following Casemiro's departure, United planned to accelerate their transfer plans, and a recent serious injury to Manuel Ugarte has only strengthened their desire.
An agreement to sign Santos is the first step towards their plans, but we now expect two more midfielders to follow the Chelsea star through the door.
Will Man United sign three new midfielders this summer?
Football Insider revealed in April that the signing of new central midfielders was one of Man United's priorities as they put preparations in place for the transfer window.
Major departures have worsened what was already a concern about squad depth at Old Trafford, with Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount the only fit, senior central midfielders on the books.
As a result, they are now hoping to ramp up their transfer plans, with major additions set to follow Santos after a deal was agreed with Chelsea.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "I still think there's midfielders on the radar. They'll be obviously delighted to get a deal for Andrey Santos over the line.
"Man United ideally were looking to bring in three midfielders this summer, with Casamiro leaving and now Ugarte is out for a long-term injury as well.
"They're a bit short in that department so getting Andres Santos in we'll see if the Ederson deal goes ahead but I still think they would like to bring in another midfielder for sure.
"It's been a priority for them and there are different names on their radar who they've been looking at for a while now."
What is the latest on Ederson joining Man United?
With Santos now expected to become the first of multiple midfield signings at Man United, concerns have grown over their pursuit of Atalanta star Ederson.
The 27-year-old has been widely expected to join Carrick's side after an agreement was reached at £34million last month, but the move has been hit by new delays.
Football Insider revealed on 10 July that Man United could now walk away from signing Ederson, with concerns growing about his recent injury record.
Concerns about the Brazil international's injury history, notably a meniscus injury which has sparked suggestions of more long-term issues with his knee.
He has now been scheduled to undergo new, thorough medical testing, and should the results not come back positive, the club could pull the plug on his signing.