Atalanta are reportedly prepared to offer Ederson a new five-year contract if his deal to Manchester United falls through, according to Fabrizio Romano. United have not yet given up on signing the Brazilian, having had a £38 million transfer fee accepted by Atalanta and agreed personal terms.
Medical Issues Cause Delay
However, it's been reported a medical test detected a knee injury in the Brazilian. Despite claims a move may now be off, the Manchester Evening News understands Michael Carrick's side have not given up hope of signing him and have insisted a deal has not been cancelled. Ederson is undergoing fresh medical assessments in Manchester; if positive, he will become a United player.
Nevertheless, it appears the Serie A side are preparing for a future with Ederson in the midfield. According to Romano, Atalanta are so confident Ederson is fit and won't be troubled by the knee injury that they are prepared to offer him a new five-year deal.
World Cup Complications
The Reds agreed a £38m deal with the club last month, but a medical could not be quickly carried out as he was representing Brazil at the World Cup. After Brazil's loss to Norway in the round of 16, many presumed a deal would soon be unveiled. However, the purported knee issue has seemingly held the deal up. As United try to wrap this move up by carrying out fresh medical tests, they are also trying to get other deals over the line.
A deal worth an initial £48 million for Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is believed to be close to completion. So far, the transfer window has proven to be a difficult one compared to last season, when United signed Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Senne Lammens.
Club's Transfer Strategy
In June, United chief football operations officer Omar Berrada insisted the Reds would follow a similar transfer blueprint this season. "I think the template for what we did last summer will be replicated," Berrada said. "You always go into a window, and you don't know how you're going to come out of it, but you have to be really prepared. You have to have a clear plan, you have to know exactly what positions you're looking to strengthen, and you also have to be prepared for any eventuality."
United are still looking to fill the midfield voids left by Casemiro's exit and Manuel Ugarte's knee injury at the World Cup. At present, Kobbie Mainoo is the only senior central midfielder at Carrick's disposal. Carrick will need players in quickly with the club competing on four fronts this season after their third-placed finish saw them qualify for the Champions League.
