Man Utd and Newcastle 'sent scouts' to watch Serie A duo ahead of potential £77m double-swoop

Manchester United are already laying the foundations for their summer transfer plans with reports suggesting they had scouts in Italy to watch Giorgio Scalvini and Ederson over the weekend.

The pair were both in action on Sunday as Atalanta cruised to a 3-1 win over Lazio, pushing themselves up to fourth in Serie A and in line to qualify for the Champions League. Scalvini played the full 90 minutes on the right of a back-three, while central midfielder Ederson only came off in added-time.

United were linked with both players during the January transfer window and have seemingly continued their interest, with HITC reporting that scouts were at the Gewiss Stadium with particular focus on Scalvini and Ederson. Newcastle recruitment staff were also present, with Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig represented from Germany.

Scalvini has been on the radar of Europe's top clubs for a number of years and is already in his third season as a regular starter at Atalanta, despite being just 20-years-old. Recent reports have suggested that Scalvini is in line for a new deal in Bergamo but could still leave in the summer amid suggestions of a €60million (£51.25m) price-tag.

Ederson's name has emerged more recently but the midfielder is enjoying an excellent campaign with Atalanta and is attracting interest across Europe. Newcastle, Arsenal and Liverpool are also thought to be interested in the 24-year-old, who could cost up to £24m this summer.

United have a recent history of doing business with Atalanta, of course, having signed Rasmus Hojlund in a £72million deal last summer. Negotiations between teams were amicable and could present an advantage in any future transfer battle.

Central defence and midfield remain two key points to strengthen at United, given concerns over the longevity of current options in both areas. Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane look set to leave as free agents in the summer, while Casemiro and Christian Eriksen will both turn 32 later this month.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to invest heavily into the playing squad once his stake in United is fully ratified by the Premier League. The INEOS chief will take control of footballing operations at the club and is expected to appoint a new sporting director ahead of the summer window.