Manchester United are eyeing a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson if they are unable to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte, a report has claimed.
The Red Devils have been busy during the summer transfer window and have already made four major signings, with striker Joshua Zirkzee, right-back Noussair Mazraoui and centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro joining the club.
Their attentions have now switched to strengthening in midfield, and for the last month they have tried to acquire Ugarte. However, PSG have refused to budge from their £51m asking price thus far, determined not to make a loss having paid that amount to sign the Uruguayan from Sporting CP last year.
AS now report United are weighing up a move for Ederson as an alternative option, though they are not alone in the race. Aston Villa are also credited with an interest as they search for a more natural replacement for Douglas Luiz, while 90min previously reported of Liverpool’s admiration of the Brazilian.
Atletico Madrid could also enter the running for Ederson if they are unable to finalise a deal for Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, with his proposed move still up in the air.
However, a major stumbling block for United is Atalanta value Ederson at the same number PSG want for Ugarte. The Red Devils have also been unable to shift veteran Casemiro to free up further space for a new star midfielder, with the veteran beginning the season alongside Kobbie Mainoo.
Ederson, who turned 25 last month, has been capped twice by Brazil and was part of their Copa America squad this summer, and he was among Atalanta’s best players on their run to Europa League glory last season. He recently featured in their 2-0 defeat to Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup.