From Italy: Man Utd now prepared to spend £47m to sign 25-year-old star ahead of Juventus
Manchester United are preparing for a busy summer transfer window with plenty of changes.
A new defensive midfielder could be one of the priorities, and Tuttosport today provide a fresh update.
The Italian publication claim United are ready to compete with Juventus to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson this summer.
The Bianconeri failed with an approach earlier this year, and they consider him as a potential replacement for Douglas Luiz.
However, United could have the upper hand in the race. The Red Devils have ‘increased contact’ for Ederson in the ‘past few hours’.
The Mancunian giants are willing to pay between £47-£51 million to purchase the 25-year-old.
Juventus may not be able to afford such a fee, even if they qualify for the Champions League.
Ederson’s move to United could depend on Casemiro’s future
Ederson has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Italian top flight. He has a passing accuracy of 87 percent in Serie A this term.
The 25-year-old has won almost five duels per game, alongside 5.1 recoveries and 1.5 tackles.
He has also excelled with his positioning and tireless work rate. He would be an upgrade on Casemiro, who is no longer in his prime.
Casemiro has been fantastic in the Europa League campaign, where the games have been more tactical and less on the physical side.
However, the 33-year-old has struggled with the higher intensity and physicality of the Premier League for the best part of 18 months.
Ederson would be an ideal replacement, but it could depend on Casemiro heading for the exit door.
The former Real Madrid man has a year left on his £350,000 per week deal. He is open to moving to the Saudi Pro League this summer.
If his transfer materialises, United could press forward with an approach for Ederson.
The club have an excellent working relationship with Atalanta, having already signed Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund from the Bergamo outfit.
Atalanta could also prefer to do business with the Red Devils for Ederson instead of negotiating with a direct Serie A rival in the Bianconeri.
Stats from Sofascore.com & Capology.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .