Casemiro's key advice to convince Man Utd to move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson

Casemiro gave Manchester United key information about Ederson that has convinced them to bring in the midfielder.

And the departing United star will also be able to give advice to the Atalanta player with the two together in Brazil's World Cup squad.

Ederson is expected to join Michael Carrick's team later this summer in a deal worth up to £39million.

Casemiro waved goodbye to supporters in May to bring his four-season spell to an end.

The former Real Madrid midfielder was a key part of United's return to the Champions League as they finished third.

"All I can do is be grateful, because I am really enjoying myself a lot. Not just me, but all my family. It is an honour for us to listen to the fans' love and affection," he said in April after his exit was announced.

"Lots of people think it is just the last few months, since the announcement, but I have to be thankful, since the very first day that I arrived here, the fans have been amazing with me and my family. So, I am so grateful to the fans, and the United fans, I am going to remember for the rest of my life."

Strengthening United's midfield was already a priority for Carrick and the recruitment team but Casemiro's exit ensured they are light in number of people to take charge of the centre of the pitch.

Manuel Ugarte is also expected to depart, leaving Kobbie Mainoo with little company outside of more attacking options in Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

Atalanta and United have scheduled a 'decisive meeting' for Tuesday, according to reports in Brazil.

The gathering should go a long way toward ironing out the finer details of a deal for the player recommended by Casemiro for his hard working mindset and determination.

United may have to wait longer than expected to bring Ederson into their ranks.

The 26-year-old was expected to arrive at United in time for the beginning of pre-season, but the Atalanta star received a late call-up to Brazil's World Cup squad.

Ederson has linked up with Casemiro to work under Carlo Ancelotti, and the tournament's final does not take place until after United's first pre-season match.

As a result, the club have been forced to rethink their timetable.

The transfer could still be completed during the World Cup but it would require the player and the Brazilian football federation (CBF) to be open to the possibility.

While United have agreed a four-year contract with the option of an extra year with Ederson, there remain issues to tie up.

The ex-Corinthians and Fortaleza ace, who has just three caps to his name, still needs to undergo a medical and will need to sign the paperwork to complete his transfer to Old Trafford.

A more likely timeframe would now see Ederson undergo his medical and complete any outstanding paperwork once Brazil's World Cup is over.

Then Ederson will be granted a summer break before the start of the new season.

United's midfield moves won't end with Ederson, however. Newcastle star Sandro Tonali and West Ham's Mateus Fernandes have both been linked with Old Trafford.

The club view the latter as a 'highly realistic option' following West Ham's relegation to the Championship. They could yet face competition from Real Madrid.

A deal for Tonali may prove more difficult with the Magpies slapping a £100m price tag on the Italian midfielder.