Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch the 2-2 draw between Juventus and Atalanta last weekend to monitor Brazilian powerhouse midfielder Ederson, per the Daily Mail.
United have been following his progress and could swoop for him this summer.
The former Salernitana midfielder has been a sensation under Gian Piero Gasperini this season, providing much-needed physicality in the centre.
Ederson records 1.2 interceptions per game while making 2.6 tackles and recovering the ball 5.6 times. He makes 1.7 blocks per 90 and wins 57% of his duels.
He is a pivotal figure for Atalanta and is being eyed by United to replace his compatriot Casemiro, who could leave the club this summer.
Casemiro’s high wages plus a dip in form have made him dispensable, and the Red Devils could sell him to bolster their coffers.
The Brazilian international has been linked with a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, where he could see out the twilight of his glittering career.
Christian Eriksen has barely been used this season and could also leave. All signs point to Sofyan Amrabat returning to Fiorentina after a wildly disappointing loan spell at Old Trafford.
United desperately need a physical presence in midfield to screen and protect the defence. United’s lack of athleticism in the middle is one of the main reasons teams can play through them and pepper shots at goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Signing Ederson would sort this problem as he has the physicality and relentless engine to protect the back four.
United have a working relationship with Atalanta, having signed Rasmus Hojlund from the Serie A club for £72 million, and a deal shouldn’t be so difficult to thrash out.
Apart from reinforcing the defensive midfield position, United are also in the market to sign another striker to give Hojlund competition.
They also want a right-back and at least one central defender.
