12 March 2024 , 22:05
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Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Atalanta midfielder Ederson, casting further doubt on the long-term future of Casemiro.
Ederson, a Brazil under-20 international, was on the radar of Newcastle United in January. Erik ten Hag's side are also looking at the South American, though, having done business with Atalanta in the past.
Rasmus Hojlund joined from the Italian club last summer, while winger Amad also spent time with the Bergamo-based side before moving to Manchester in the 2020-21 season. Ederson, in his second full season at Atalanta after joining from Salernitana in January 2022, could see that list of signings grow.
If a deal is secured, it could mean the end for Casemiro at Old Trafford. The £60m man is under contract at United until 2026 but has found things tough in his second season in England.
According to The Mail, United had a scout at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday to watch Atalanta against Juventus. The game ended all-square, with Dutch midfielder Teun Koopmeiners scoring both of Atalanta's goals in a 2-2 draw.
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Casemiro isn't the only Ten Hag midfield signing whose days might be numbered beyond the summer. Sofyan Amrabat is already expected to return to parent club Fiorentina after a challenging loan spell, while Christian Eriksen - the subject of interest in January - has also been linked with a move away.
As for Casemiro, there has already reportedly been interest from Saudi Arabia. Despite some of the hefty fees paid by Saudi Pro League sides, though, a full return on United's 2022 outlay appears unlikely.
Would Ederson be a good fit for Manchester United's midfield? Have your say in the comments section
Ederson has caught the eye with his performances for Atalanta (Getty Images)Ederson, 24, has six goals in all competitions for Atalanta this season. Five of those came in Serie A and one in the Europa League, where the Italians are still alive in the competition.
According to reports in Italy in February (via Football Italia), Newcastle explored a January deal after chief scout Steven Nickson watched the Brazilian in action. However, Atalanta refused to entertain a mid-season offer for a player valued at around £34m.
Whether that remains the case in the summer is a different question. Atalanta sit sixth in the league, with the potential for up to five Italian sides to qualify for next season's Champions League, and face Sporting CP on Thursday for a place in the Europa League quarter-finals.
United face a similar battle for Champions League qualification, whether or not England get a fifth spot in the expanded competition. They sit six points behind fifth-place Tottenham - who have a game in hand - and eight behind Aston Villa in fourth.
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