Manchester United and Newcastle United have made contact with Atalanta for midfielder Ederson, according to Gazzetta dello Sport (page 22).
The Red Devils are poised to make multiple signings during the summer transfer window, and a marquee midfielder could be one of the top priorities.
Gazzetta dello Sport now claim that United and Newcastle have been in contact with Atalanta for Ederson for the past year, but have failed to persuade them to sell.
The Serie A outfit value him between £38-42 million. A price tag that has not been met by any club.
The outlet add that Simone Inzaghi’s Al Hilal can reach the valuation, but Ederson has a big decision to make as it could scupper his World Cup prospects with Brazil.
The 25-year-old has just returned to the national side under manager Carlo Ancelotti. A move to Saudi Arabia could hamper his selection chances going forward.
United should swoop for Ederson this summer
The Brazil international has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Italian top-flight.
Ederson has predominantly played from the number six position for Atalanta. He had a good passing accuracy of 87 percent in Serie A last term.
The midfielder also won 60 percent of his aerial duels alongside five recoveries and 1.4 tackles per game. He chipped in with seven goal contributions.
Aside from this, he has also impressed with his tireless work rate and high pressing over 90 minutes.
In our view, Ederson would be an upgrade on compatriot Casemiro. The latter had a good transformation earlier this year, but could be on the move soon.
He looks likely to stay for the final year of his £350,000 per week contract, but United need to look into the future. Ederson would be a top-class signing.
United have already signed Matheus Cunha this summer to bolster their attack. They are now in talks to finalise the transfer of Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo.
A marquee striker could be purchased too. United still need someone who can control proceedings in the centre of the park. Ederson would be a good solution.
£38m is a very reasonable fee for a midfielder in the prime of his career. United should negotiate a long-term payment plan to secure the services of Ederson.
The Red Devils already have a strong working relationship with Atalanta, having previously signed Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund from the Bergamo outfit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com