City ramp up pressure on INEOS with £42m swoop for Amorim’s dream midfielder, Serie A side open to the deal – report

Atalanta midfielder Ederson’s move to Manchester United could be in jeopardy if the latest reports from Italy prove accurate.

Last year, the 20-time English champions saw their €50 million (£42 million) bid for the Brazilian rejected by his Serie A club.

As a result, United opted to sign Manuel Ugarte.

However, with the Uruguayan struggling to impress, particularly in the Premier League, reports suggest manager Ruben Amorim is eager to secure another defensive midfield signing.

The Portuguese tactician’s system demands a defensive midfielder who excels in progressive passing, is press-resistant, strong in duels, and capable of carrying the ball forward.

Ederson possesses all of these qualities. As previously highlighted, INEOS recognise his talent and rate him highly as a player.

Interestingly, Corriere dello Sport reports that the midfield general is expected to leave the Gewiss Stadium.

The Bergamo-based side are already preparing for life without him, with Celtic’s Arne Engels emerging as their preferred replacement.

With Engels registering 14 goal contributions, Atalanta believe they will not struggle without Ederson, who has been a pivotal figure in their midfield.

So, with Ederson set to move, where is he heading?

Corriere dello Sport have claimed the Atalanta midfielder is headed for Manchester, but not to Old Trafford.

He is on his way to the Etihad Stadium.

The Italian publication reports that Manchester City are leading the race for the Selecão star.

Apparently, he is at the top of Pep Guardiola’s transfer priorities, with the club’s new sporting director, Hugo Viana, assigned to finalise the deal.

A €50 million (£42 million) offer, coincidentally the same bid that United had seen get rejected last summer, could now see Viana secure one of Guardiola’s most sought-after targets.

For the Red Devils, if the 25-year-old does indeed move to City, it would be a significant transfer setback, leaving INEOS in a difficult position as they attempt to help Amorim assemble his ideal midfield.

Feature image Francesco Scaccianoce via Getty Images

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