Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on Atalanta BC midfielder Ederson, but they are braced for competition from Manchester City for his signature.
Boss Ruben Amorim presided over the Red Devils' 4-1 Premier League defeat against Newcastle United on Sunday afternoon, a result that left the club in 13th place with just 38 points.
United could salvage their season should they win the Europa League and qualify for the Champions League, but having drawn 2-2 with Lyon in the first leg of the sides' quarter-final tie last Thursday, progress in the competition is by no means certain.
Amorim will be keen to avoid experiencing a similar campaign next term, but it is difficult to see how he can rescue the club without significant backing in the summer transfer window.
While Tutto Mercato Web claims that United are interested in signing Brazilian midfielder Ederson, the Red Devils would have to pay a fee in the region of £52m to secure his services.
© Imago
Ederson in profile
Atalanta are currently third in the league with 61 points, and Ederson had featured in 30 of his side's 32 Serie A matches so far.
The Brazilian is comfortable operating at either the base of midfield or as a number eight, and his ability to carry the ball forward at pace has helped his team advance up the pitch.
In fact, Martin de Roon is his only teammate to have attempted more than his 1,253 carries in Serie A, while no other midfielder at the club has completed more successful take-ons (17).
The 25-year-old's biggest strength is arguably his athleticism given he is able to quickly cover ground, and his combative abilities make him a useful asset during pressing phases.
© Imago
Would Ederson work at United?
If United paired Manuel Ugarte with Ederson in Amorim's double pivot, the Red Devils would become far more formidable without the ball, and the duo would reduce the amount of work for the back three.
However, neither of the pair are particularly comfortable operating as their team's primary ball progressor in midfield, and United may still encounter issues when building up from the back.
Perhaps Ederson would make more sense as a competitor for Ugarte's starting spot, but considering the substantial needs of the squad in the upcoming window, a £52m outlay would be hard to justify.
Lewis Nolan
