Manchester United could make progress in their move to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson “in the coming days”, according to Goal Brasil.
The website claims that the 24-year-old’s representatives have “already been contacted” by the Red Devils but the club hasn’t formally opened talks with Atalanta at this stage.
Ederson does have a release clause in his contract but the figure is said to be pretty high and Atalanta would probably accept a fee below that amount in any case.
The former Brazilian Under 20 international has had a very good season so far, scoring 5 goals and providing 1 assist in 23 appearances.
United have clearly been keeping an eye on his performances, and the decision will now be made on whether to make a bid during the January transfer window.
What do United fans need to know about Ederson?
The midfielder has spent the majority of his career in his native Brazil, playing for Desportivo Brasil Ltda, Cruzeiro, Fortaleza and Corinthians before joining Salernitana in January 2022.
After being one of the stand-out performers for the Serie A side in the second half of the 2021/22 campaign, he was snapped up by Atalanta for €15m the following summer. He has spent the best part of 18 months at this current team, having racked up 60 appearances.
Why are United looking to sign a midfielder?
Casemiro has been sidelined with a hamstring injury since October, and there is speculation that he could be offloaded to a team in Saudi Arabia either this month or at the end of the season.
Sofyan Amrabat has not impressed since joining on loan from Fiorentina. Despite having the option to buy the Moroccan international, it’s likely he will return to Italy.
With that being the case, United do need to strengthen their options in the middle of the park and they have seemingly identified Ederson as a target.
