Ederson future: Man City goalkeeper 'exploring' exit as Brazilian earmarks 'preferred destination'

Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson is reportedly keen to join the Saudi Pro League this summer.

Ederson was heavily linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but he ultimately stayed put after a transfer failed to materialise.

The Brazil international has remained Pep Guardiola's first-choice option this term, although he has struggled with some injury issues during the campaign.

In fact, Ederson has missed the last two matches due to a groin problem, including Tuesday's 2-1 home win over Aston Villa.

The 31-year-old will be desperate to return to action as soon as possible, especially as he could be entering the closing stages of his Man City career.

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Ederson wants Saudi Pro League move

According to journalist Florian Plettenburg, Ederson is 'exploring the market' with his agent, former Inter and Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar.

The update claims that the Man City goalkeeper is favouring a move to Saudi Arabia over any other potential options for the summer transfer window.

There is a belief that talks have already taken place over a possible move for him to become the latest high-profile name to join the Saudi Pro League.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Joao Cancelo, Aymeric Laporte, Ruben Neves, Marcelo Brozovic, Ivan Toney and Aleksandr Mitrovic are among those who have moved to Saudi Arabia in the last few years.

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Who could replace Ederson?

Man City will view the summer window as one final chance to obtain a meaningful fee for Ederson, with the goalkeeper set to enter the final 12 months of his contract.

The Citizens already appear to have found a potential replacement in Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa, who has also been linked with Chelsea and Man United.

Portugal international Costa has reportedly given the 'initial green light' to join Guardiola's side in the summer transfer window.

Costa has recorded more clean sheets than any other goalkeeper in the Primeira Liga this season, claiming 15 shutouts in 30 top-flight appearances.