Man Utd ‘begin discussions’ over first Ruben Amorim signing as contact made with Champions League side
Manchester United have already began making preparations for the January window
Manchester United are hoping to kickstart the Ruben Amorim era in style with a blockbuster move for a highly-rated Brazilian international Ederson from Serie A side Atalanta.
The Europa League winner is considered to be one of the very best defensive midfielders in Italian football and has been a revelation in Serie A for the last four seasons since arriving from Brazilian side Corinthians in 2021.
Ederson is renowned for his intelligent positioning, strength, energy and composure in possession - earning him comparisons to AC Miland and Italy icon Gennaro Gattuso.
According to Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, he has been identified by Manchester United’s recruitment team as someone who would be a perfect fit for Amorim’s new-look 343 system, which is often reliant on having a strong box-to-box midfielder.
Plettenberg understands that Ederson sits high on Manchester United’s list of targets and claims that internal discussions are already taking place between board members as the Red Devils plot an opening bid.
The German reporter has even claimed that the wheels over a deal could be in motion as early as January as Amorim aims to quickly revive Manchester United’s stuttering bid for Champions League football.
Plettenberg posted on X: “Manchester United are discussing and considering Ederson, a player who is highly valued internally.
“The club is looking for reinforcement in his position, possibly as early as the winter transfer window.
“The 25-year-old central midfielder has a contract with Atalanta Bergamo until 2027. One to watch.”
Manchester United are currently believed to be leading the charge for the Atalanta midfielder, whose side sit three points behind league leaders Inter Milan in the Serie A title race with a game in hand.
However, Manchester City, fresh off the news of Pep Guardiola’s contract extension are also considering making an approach for the Brazil international.
The Cityzens are targeting a record-breaking fifth successive title defence in the Premier League but have struggled in recent weeks without their midfield lynchpin Rodri, who sustained a season-ending ACL injury earlier in the season against Arsenal.
Atalanta are determined to keep hold of Ederson as they compete for a first ever Serie A title, meaning Manchester United would likely need to put in a blockbuster bid to prise him away from the Gewiss Stadium.