Manchester United have learnt Atalanta's asking price for midfielder Éderson, with the club interested in signing the Brazilian this summer.
Manchester United are preparing to revamp their midfield this summer.
It has already been confirmed that Casemiro will leave the club this summer when his contract expires.
Manuel Ugarte could also leave, with the Uruguayan midfielder reportedly growing frustrated with a lack of game time. Various sources also claim that United would be willing to part ways with Ugarte, should a suitable offer arrive.
Elliot Anderson is at the top of United's shortlist, but the growing expectation is that he will move to Manchester City. Nottingham Forest's asking price, which is reportedly around £125 million, could also complicate a potential move to United.
A move for Sandro Tonali also seems unlikely despite interest, while Aurélien Tchouaméni has now emerged as a potential target, with various reports claiming he'd cost around £70 million.
Carlos Baleba is also under strong consideration at Old Trafford after the club explored a deal to sign him last summer. United values him at £50 million, although it is unclear how much Brighton and Hove Albion would demand.
United target move for Ederson
Another name on United's shortlist ahead of the summer transfer window is Atalanta's Éderson.
According to The Guardian, Atalanta values Éderson at £35-£45 million. The report claims that United’s director of football, Jason Wilcox, is an admirer of Éderson and is monitoring the Brazil international after drawing up a list of potential replacements for Casemiro.
Atletico Madrid are also said to have a strong interest in Éderson and are in talks to sign him.
Matteo Moretto reported at the start of April that Atletico have an agreement on personal terms with Éderson, but have yet to reach an agreement with Atalanta over the transfer.
Éderson is not what United need
While Éderson is undoubtedly a very good player, he is not what United need.
Out of possession, he has many very good qualities. He is a strong dueller, particularly on the ground, and he covers a lot of ground. He is very good at reading the game, anticipating passes and winning back loose balls.
On the ball, Éderson plays primarily safe passes. He typically opts for short forward and sideways passes, meaning he isn't the kind of player who is going to regularly break lines.
He is good at keeping the ball under pressure, as he can subtly change direction on the ball to get away from pressure. He scans well and can use his body to hold off opposition players. He also likes to move into more advanced areas when Atalanta enters the final third.
The issue is that there isn't really a midfielder at United who complements Éderson. Kobbie Mainoo would be the most logical partner, but Éderson's tendency to move into more advanced areas would limit Mainoo's attacking impact and increase his defensive responsibility.
It is understandable why numerous top clubs have shown an interest in Éderson over the last few years, but there are other players better suited to what United needs.