Manchester United are in advanced talks with Atalanta over a summer move for Brazilian midfielder Ederson, with negotiations now moving at a significant pace ahead of the new season.
Sky Sports reports that United have opened serious discussions with the Italian club, though the two sides have not yet reached a full agreement on the transfer fee.
Atalanta currently value the 26-year-old at around £45 million, but there is growing confidence that a deal could be struck for a figure below that asking price.
Ederson has just one year remaining on his contract at Atalanta, which weakens the club’s negotiating position considerably if the player has no intention of extending his stay.
Sky Sports also notes that personal terms between United and Ederson are not expected to present any complications, which represents a positive development in the ongoing negotiations.
Atalanta manager Raffaele Palladino provided the clearest public signal yet that a transfer is progressing when Ederson was named as an unused substitute in a recent draw with Fiorentina.
Palladino later acknowledged that the decision to leave Ederson out was connected to interest from a top club and that negotiations were taking place around the player’s future.
Football Italia reported that the decision to omit him was made in agreement with the player himself, with a move to Old Trafford now considered increasingly likely by those close to the situation.
Ederson has developed a strong reputation in Serie A as a reliable and high-energy midfielder, known for his pressing, ball-carrying, ground coverage and ability to win physical duels consistently.
United’s interest in the player is not a recent development, as the club has tracked Ederson over a sustained period during his time in Italy with Atalanta.
The signing would contribute to a broader midfield rebuild under manager Michael Carrick, with Casemiro having moved on and Manuel Ugarte also facing uncertainty over his future at the club.
Reports indicate that United want to sign at least two midfielders this summer, particularly after securing Champions League football and the heavier match schedule that comes with it.
United have also considered other midfield targets including Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, but Ederson currently represents one of the most advanced pursuits.
Ederson’s contract situation gives United additional leverage in fee negotiations, with Atalanta aware that they risk losing him for nothing if no transfer agreement is reached this summer.
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