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Manchester United, having secured a spot in the Europa League by winning the FA Cup last season, have been proactive in strengthening their squad during the summer transfer window.
Under the leadership of manager Erik ten Hag, the Red Devils swiftly enhanced their attacking options by signing Joshua Zirkzee from Serie A side Bologna in a deal worth £36.5 million.
Additionally, teenage defender Leny Yoro has joined Manchester United after completing a transfer worth up to £58.9 million from Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth, along with other key figures behind the scenes, is keen on securing further reinforcements ahead of the August 30 deadline.
United are now focusing on sealing deals for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. However, they are also actively seeking a defensive midfielder in the market.
Initially, United’s priority target for this position was Manuel Ugarte, but they have had to move on from him due to PSG’s firm stance on their £51 million demands.
The Red Devils had hoped that PSG, having recently secured Joao Neves from Benfica for up to £60 million, might be open to accepting a lower fee for Ugarte.
However, PSG are not in a hurry to sell the Uruguayan, especially with Bayern Munich also showing interest and multiple other suitors inquiring about his availability.
United have seen two verbal offers for Ugarte rejected, with the highest bid being around £30 million.
Despite the deal not being entirely off the table, United do not wish to waste more time on it with only three and a half weeks left in the transfer window.
They have thus shifted their focus to other targets, including Youssouf Fofana, Sander Berge, Manu Kone, Martin Zubimendi, Ben Sheaf and Adrien Rabiot.
United considering moving for Brazilian midfielder
According to a new report from GiveMeSport, United are now “considering” a move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson.
The Brazilian has long been on United’s radar, but no concrete moves were made until recently.
The report indicates that manager Erik ten Hag is now mulling over the prospect of bringing Ederson to Old Trafford after an initial approach was made to his camp in March, with continued interest in him as a potential recruit.
Ederson, a two-cap Brazil international, has been linked with a £38 million move away from Atalanta.
His impressive performances have attracted interest from several top clubs, including Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Juventus. Liverpool scouts were reportedly taken aback by his displays.
Last season, Ederson made 53 appearances for Atalanta, contributing to their Europa League victory and scoring seven goals.
His consistent performances and versatility in midfield make him an appealing target for Manchester United as they seek to bolster their squad ahead of the new season.
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