Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Atalanta midfielder Ederson, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano said that while “interest is there” from the Red Devils, the chances of a deal being agreed in January are pretty low:

“My information is that the January transfer window is going to be really complicated for any club to go there and convince Atalanta to sell Ederson.”

“The feeling is that Ederson could leave in the summer. But for the January transfer window, it is going to be really complicated, because the interest is there from United and not only [them]. Manchester United sent their scouts several times to follow Ederson.”

How much would it cost to “convince Atalanta”?

As Romano mentions, the main hurdle that United have to overcome is the Italian club’s reluctance to sell midway through the season. They are currently sitting top of the Serie A table and they do not want to lose one of their best players when there is a chance of winning the title.

It is believed that a bid of around €80m (£66m) could be needed to tempt Atalanta into letting Ederson leave. That is a lot of money.

United will have competition for the player

Ruben Amorim’s side are not the only club looking to sign Ederson. Other Premier League clubs and teams in Spain are said to be circling.

As well as the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, European champions Real Madrid have also been mentioned as potential suitors.

One advantage that United may have over these clubs is their relationship with Atalanta. They signed Rasmus Hojlund from them just 18 months ago so negotiations should run smoothly.

At the end of the day, though, it will all come down to which team is willing to meet Ederson’s asking price.

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