Man Utd turn attention to cheaper midfield alternative as they refuse to meet price for top target

Manchester United have reportedly shifted their focus to a more affordable alternative amid concerns they could miss out on Nottingham Forest and England star Elliot Anderson.

Reports suggest United are willing to walk away from a deal for Anderson due to Forest’s £120 million valuation, meaning the search for a successor to the departing Casemiro continues.

Several midfielders have been linked with a move to Old Trafford, including Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes.

Brighton’s Carlos Baleba and Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni are also said to be on United’s radar.

Bournemouth duo Tyler Adams and Alex Scott feature on the club’s shortlist, alongside Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali.

However, according to Sky Sports, United have stepped up their interest in Atalanta’s Brazilian midfielder Ederson in recent days.

The Red Devils are keen to recruit two midfielders this summer as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of next season, which could include Champions League football.

The 26-year-old, who has earned three international caps, has been a key figure for La Dea since joining from Salernitana in 2022. He has made 179 appearances for the Bergamo side and played a role in their Europa League triumph in 2023/24.

Sky Sports reported: “The aim is to position themselves to make an offer once their preferred targets come into focus and the current variables play themselves out.

“In that vein, United will not give up on Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, but the increasing likelihood that he ends up at Manchester City means work has intensified on other players — and Ederson and Fernandes are high among them.

“Ederson had looked destined for Atlético Madrid, but a shift from the Spanish club towards Wolves’ João Gomes — another name on United’s radar — in part because of the financials involved, has opened the door for United and other clubs to move for the Brazilian.”

Ederson is likely to be a cheaper alternative to Anderson, as well as the aforementioned targets currently plying their trade in the Premier League, with it widely reported that Atalanta want around £40 million.

Despite the interest in the player, Sky Sports also reports that previous reports of an agreement between him and United are not accurate.

Meanwhile, The Sun claims that United are aiming to sign five players - three central midfielders, a left back and a back-up striker to support Benjamin Sesko - this summer.

United return to Premier League action at home against Nottingham Forest on May 17.