Manchester United scout 'spotted' at huge Serie A match as three players linked with Old Trafford transfers
Man Utd could turn to Serie A as they look to reinforce their squad in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United reportedly sent scouts to watch AC Milan face Atalanta in Serie A over the weekend, amid links to three players involved in the match. Ruben Amorim wants to add a striker, attacking midfielder and a central midfielder to his side this summer as United consider multiple options in each position.
A report from Quotidiano Sportivo claims they specifically attended the match to watch Atalanta trio Matteo Retegui, Ederson and Ademola Lookman. The report claims Ederson impressed ‘decisively' as he scored the only goal of the game to earn a valuable 1-0 away win.
The 25-year-old appears the most likely of the trio to move to Old Trafford this summer, given that they have already identified Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha as their preferred attacking targets. It means fellow forwards Retegui and Lookman would more likely be considered back-up options for the forthcoming transfer window. The report suggest a move for Ederson would cost somewhere in the region of £51 million.
A 'positive' relationship between the clubs
It is also worth noting the report claims Manchester United have a 'positive' relationship with Atalanta, dating back to their deals for both Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund. United committed as much as £109 million to sign the duo from the Serie A club, though Amad arrived for a £19m fee that could rise to £37m and Hojlund was signed for an initial £64m fee with a further £8m in add-ons.
That relationship could grow even stronger after it was announced last week Atalanta have appointed John Murtough as the director of global development. Murtough was appointed as United's inaugural football director in March 2021, but stepped down after Ineos invested in the club.
An official club statement read: "Atalanta BC are pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. John Murtough as director of global development within the club's sports department, effective immediately. The 54-year-old English executive, who will report directly to sporting director Tony D'Amico, will play a pivotal role in enhancing the club's international strategy and vision.
"This appointment marks Mr. Murtough's first professional experience in Italy, following a distinguished career in England where he held various senior executive roles. His notable previous positions include roles at Everton, Fulham, Coventry City, Everton again, the FA Premier League, and Manchester United. The Percassi and Pagliuca families, together with the entire club, extend a warm welcome to Mr Murtough and wish him every success in his new role within Atalanta BC’s sports department."