Manchester United are reportedly pushing to secure the services of Atalanta midfielder Ederson, who has now emerged as the club’s top target.
The Red Devils will part ways with Casemiro, who already bid the Old Trafford faithful farewell last weekend. Moreover, Manuel Ugarte will be placed on the transfer list following two disappointing campaigns at the club.
This leaves Kobbie Mainoo as the only out-and-out central midfielder who is guaranteed to remain at Man Utd beyond the current campaign.
Man United Closing in on Agreement with Atalanta for Ederson
Due to the alarming deficiency in midfield, bolstering this department will be the top priority for United directors Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell heading into the summer transfer window.
The club has been repeatedly linked with top Premier League stars like Elliot Anderson, Sandro Tonali, and Carlos Baleba, but their respective clubs could ask for astronomical figures, potentially north of £100 million (especially in Anderson’s case).
While making one hefty investment cannot be ruled out, Man Utd certainly cannot afford to spend a multitude of enormous transfer fees for the same department in the summer.
Therefore, INEOS are seeking cost-effective solutions, and one of them could be Ederson, who has swiftly climbed his way up the shortlist.
The 26-year-old has cemented himself as one of the best well-rounded midfielders in Serie A since joining Atalanta in 2022. With his contract expiring next year, La Dea is keen to sell him this summer, but insists on pocketing €45 million (or £39m).
In his latest update on RoundTable, MUFC insider Sully denies an agreement between the two clubs as other sources claimed, but reveals that the Premier League giants have held talks with the Serie A side, and they were able to make important progress.
United also need to find an accord with Ederson and his entourage on personal terms, but the journalist believes this shouldn’t be a stumbling block.