Manchester United scout Serie A star as potential Casemiro replacement

Manchester United have reportedly sent scouts to watch Atalanta midfielder Ederson.

The Brazil U20 international plays as a defensive midfielder and was on the radar for Newcastle in January.

The Reds did business with Atalanta last summer when Rasmus Hojlund signed, while winger Amad Diallo came from the Bergamo-based club in the 2020-21 season.

There is now a possibility that Ederson, in his second full season at Atalanta after joining from Salernitana in January 2022, could see that list of signings grow.

It should be seen as music to our ears that United are in the process of identifying defensive midfielders to replace Casemiro next season. The experienced Brazil star is past his best and his performance at the weekend in United’s 2-0 win over Everton was concerning. He cannot afford a repeat of that in the FA Cup against Liverpool on Sunday.

According to the Daily Mail, United sent a scout to the Allianz Stadium on Sunday to watch Atalanta take on Juventus. The game ended all-square, with Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners scoring a brace for Atalanta in a 2-2 draw.

This leaves Casemiro’s future up in the air and it remains to be seen if he will opt for a move to the Saudi Pro League.

Ederson – one to watch

The 24-year-old has six goals in all competitions for Atalanta this season. That tells you, like Casemiro, there is more to his game than protecting the back four.

Football Italia claim Newcastle explored a January switch after chief scout Steven Nickson watched Ederson in action. However, Atalanta were not interested in doing business with the Magpies mid-season.

It is also believed that Ederson could cost around £34 million.

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