Manchester United are expected to make a formal bid for Atalanta midfielder Ederson over the next few weeks, according to reports in Italy.

The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League over the past year, with the Red Devils, Manchester City and Liverpool having all been credited with an interest in the player.

However, TMW claim that Ruben Amorim’s side are the team who are expected to step up their attempts to sign Ederson.

The website says that they have “set their sights” on securing the 25-year-old’s signature and an “offer is expected” soon.

United are keen to add more steel in the middle of the park

While Casemiro’s improved form over the past couple of months has helped the Red Devils, the 33-year-old is not the long-term solution.

Even if he can sustain his current level of performance for a while longer, he is likely to leave Old Trafford at the end of next season when his contract expires.

Ederson can bring much more to the table in terms of his work rate, energy and dynamism; all the attributes that have been lacking in United’s midfield over the course of the campaign.

How much will Ederson cost?

TMW report that Atalanta are currently holding out for €60m (£52m). Considering Manuel Ugarte cost a similar amount, you can’t really argue with the Serie A club’s valuation.

Ederson has also expressed an interest in moving to England. Speaking about which league suits his playing style last summer, the midfielder replied:

“I like Italy, I’m well adapted, but I’m curious about the Premier League, so I don’t know. I’m still growing, so I don’t know if I’ll stay in Italy, I think I still have more to prove. If I go somewhere else, then too. I will continue to grow.”

Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here