Serie A giants hatch bold new plan to thwart United in their attempts to land Brazilian maestro – report

Manchester United need a deep-lying playmaker before the start of the new campaign but a long-term target could be heading out of their grasp as things stand.

It was relayed by The Peoples Person that INEOS are unlikely to spend big on a midfielder, and will instead focus on either a loan or a low-cost operation.

Douglas Luiz has emerged as a top target due to Juventus being open to loaning him out, while Ruben Amorim would love to reunite with Sporting CP protege Morten Hjulmand.

Another long-term target is Ederson of Atalanta, with the Bergamo-based side demanding €60 million to let him leave this summer. He fits Ruben Amorim’s system like a glove, due to his ability with and without the ball.

Ederson hunt

He ranked in the 96th percentile among Serie A midfielders for accurate passes, and long balls, while also figuring in the top 94 percentile for chances created.

Defensively, he was quite the workhorse, ranking in the 98th percentile for duels won and ball recoveries (all stats via Fotmob).

There was interest from fellow Serie A clubs, as well as from the Saudi Pro League, but Football Italia have claimed that Atalanta are keen to agree a new long-term deal with the Brazilian.

The 26-year-old’s current deal expires in 2027. A new deal would likely signal the end of a pursuit this window, while Atalanta would be in a stronger financial position regarding the player’s future.

They could up their demands even more, or risk losing him on the cheap next summer should an agreement not be reached.

“Atalanta still fully intend to extend the Ederson contract, which runs to June 2027, despite the interest from Manchester United and Al-Hilal.

New contract incoming

“That means their plan is to keep hold of Ederson and get him to commit to a new contract, as his current deal is set to expire in June 2027.”

Interestingly, the report also mentions that should an offer that is too good to refuse come up, the Brazil international might yet be sold.

It is unlikely to come from INEOS this window, based on the club’s current financial condition.

Should an agreement not be found this year, the Red Devils can be expected to raid Atalanta next summer.

Feature image Francesco Scaccianoce via Getty Images

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