Manchester United have been alerted to the potential availability of Atalanta midfielder Ederson and are now working to understand whether a January move is genuinely possible.
United believe Ederson is the type of midfielder who could help bring the best out of Bruno Fernandes and an opportunity presented by the player’s camp has not gone unnoticed – particularly at a time when few quality midfielders appear accessible on the market.
Ederson’s agent has suggested the Brazilian could be available for under €40 million this January, a figure significantly lower than the one United encountered when they explored a deal last year.
The claim has sparked fresh speculation over a renewed pursuit.
However, sources remain sceptical that Atalanta would sanction a mid-season sale.
Internal discussions are understood to have take place a month ago, with the outcome being that Ederson was considered off-limits until the summer.
That stance may even have prompted the agent’s recent comments.
There is also some doubt among sources over the suggested price tag.
With comparable midfielders regularly commanding fees above €40m, suggestions of a deal being possible at a bargain price are viewed by some as optimistic – at best.
There is clearly a situation developing that United may look to explore, but for now it appears more complicated than the public message might imply.
