Ruben Amorim is keen to add one midfield enforcer to his ranks. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Manchester United have established an advantage over arch-rivals Manchester City in pursuit of Atalanta star Ederson.
Long have the Red Devils been linked with Ederson, though they have never materialised their interest with a formal approach or bid.
However, that could all be about to change this summer, as Tutto Atalanta claims INEOS’ transfer chiefs are ‘intensifying contacts’ with the 25-year-old’s representatives and are ‘serious’ about granting Ruben Amorim his desired summer acquisition.
Ederson is tied to the Serie A club until June 2027, giving them the upper hand in any negotiations that could take place from now throughout the window.
His integral role in Bergamo, along with his age and versatility, has made Atalanta set a price tag in the region of €60 million (£51.3m) – which may prove too pricey for what United are looking for, especially given forward reinforcements will be at the forefront of their plans.
United set sights on Ederson swoop as City wait in the wings
City remain among Ederson’s admirers and, previously, so were Liverpool, with their scouts once left ‘shocked’ after watching the dynamic midfielder in action.
Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg also verified United’s interest in the Brazilian international at the back end of last year, stating that the side’s key decision-makers are ‘fully convinced of his abilities’. Presumably, he is viewed as an ideal successor to ageing compatriot Casemiro, who has one year remaining on his deal and tops the wage list on a ludicrous £350,000 per week.
Offloading Casemiro would provide a much-needed cash injection to kick off the transfer period, although finding any suitors willing to fork out a respectable fee may be difficult – unless Saudi Pro League clubs come knocking.
