Deal completed: Manchester United completes first summer transfer signing as £89m attacker join on a five-years transfer deal
Manchester United have an advantage over Manchester City and Juventus in the race to sign Atalanta star Ederson, according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
The Red Devils could enter the transfer market for a new midfielder this summer as they are poised to part ways with Christian Eriksen when his contract expires on June 30.
The focus could be on landing a more defensive-minded midfielder over a creative one, and Pedulla claims that there have been ‘new contacts’ to sign Ederson.
Talks are likely to continue after the Europa League final. United have an edge over City and Juventus, having made the first approach for the Brazil international.
They still need to find an agreement with Atalanta, who are holding out for £50.5 million for his transfer.
Ederson would be a superb acquisition to replace Eriksen
The 25-year-old has developed into one of the best midfielders in the Italian top-flight.
Ederson, who can play as a central or defensive midfielder, has a passing accuracy of 87 percent in Serie A this term. He has won 5.5 duels per game with 5.1 recoveries and 1.4 successful tackles.
The Brazilian’s work rate has been one of his main strengths. He has also impressed with his positioning and ability to deliver quality long balls. He would be an ideal midfield acquisition.
The Red Devils are set to lose Eriksen on a free transfer this summer. The club still have Kobbie Mainoo, Mason Mount and Bruno Fernandes to occupy the number eight position.
Hence, the onus could be on landing a midfielder with better defensive resolve to compete for places with Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro and possibly Toby Collyer next season.
Ederson could be seen as a successor to compatriot Casemiro, who could be on the move next year.
Casemiro has transformed his fortunes with stand-out displays in recent months. He could stay for the final year of his £350,000 per week contract, but the club are unlikely to prolong his deal.
