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Manchester United have added Atalanta star Ederson to their shortlist as they attempt to sign a replacement for Casemiro. The former Real Madrid midfielder is due to leave at Old Trafford at the end of the season when his contract expires.
That is set to come after arguably Casemiro’s most impressive season as a United player so far. And given the task that United chiefs have in replacing him, they have compiled an extensive list of candidates.
Brighton’s Carlos Baleba, Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Real Madrid destroyer Aurelien Tchouameni are all among those United are eyeing. But Ederson has now emerged as another potential target, with the Brazilian looking likely to leave Atalanta.
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Ederson, 26, is out of contract next summer and is valued at €40m-50m (£35m-£45m). According to The Guardian, Jason Wilcox is an admirer of the midfielder and could pursue a move in the summer window.
United however could face competition for his services, with Atletico Madrid also thought to be strongly interested. Speaking in February, the club’s sporting director Mateu Alemany said: “One more on the list of good players we have.”
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United reportedly want to sign two new midfielders this summer, albeit much could depend on the future of Manuel Ugarte. The Uruguayan has struggled for form since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
Current United boss Michael Carrick has already underlined the importance of adding to United’s midfield ahead of next season, particularly given Casemiro’s exit.
Ederson
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Man United are interested in a move for Atalanta’s Ederson(Image: Getty Images)
Speaking earlier this season, he said: “Yeah, well, listen, it’s an important position. Not being biased, obviously, as being a midfielder, but I think it is an important position to try and tie everything together and you’re connected to the whole team, and that’s sometimes emotionally, a little bit mentally, and showing that composure and understanding of the game a little bit.
“Case has had a big influence within the group on that. So, something we’re fully aware of moving forward, for sure.”
Casemiro joined United in a big-money move from Real Madrid in 2022 and he has gone on to make 157 appearances, scoring 25 goals – eight of which have come this term. He could potentially make one of his final Old Trafford appearances on Monday evening when Carrick’s side host Brentford, while Liverpool and Nottingham Forest are set to come over the closing weeks of the campaign.
