Man Utd on Red Alert as Key Transfer Target Now Available for Cut-Price Fee

Manchester United might have been handed a transfer market boost after one of their previous targets now has a reduced price.

United are seeking a return to European football after a disastrous campaign last season saw the Old Trafford side finish 15th in the Premier League table and lose the Europa League final 1-0 to Tottenham Hotspur.

In Ruben Amorim's first summer transfer window at the club since joining from Sporting Lisbon as Erik ten Hag's replacement in November last year, United invested heavily at the top end of the pitch to add firepower to their ranks following a lean campaign in front of goal.

Bryan Mbeumo was acquired from Brentford, while Matheus Cunha arrived from Wolves with both players candidates to play in the number 10 role.

United went outside the Premier League to recruit Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig as the club's intended new main striker, in place of Rasmus Hojlund who has departed to Italian side Napoli, initially on loan.

And goalkeeper Senne Lammens was bought from Royal Antwerp, since becoming United's new first-choice stopper after Andre Onana left on loan to join Turkish side Trabzonspor and Altay Bayindir failed to convince.

However, United failed to strengthen one key area of the squad last summer and attention is still required.

Manchester United have previously been linked with Atalanta's Ederson. (Image: Getty)

United's central midfield options currently consist of Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, Manuel Ugarte and Kobbie Mainoo, following the departure of Christian Eriksen last summer and Toby Collyer on loan to West Bromwich Albion for the season.

Question marks hover over Casemiro's United future with his current contract due to expire next summer.

However, United have been handed a boost of sorts after it emerged a previous target in that area of the pitch could now has a reduced price tag.

According to Sky Sports Germany last year, United were admirers of Atalanta defensive midfielder Ederson, who has three caps for Brazil.

His contract at the Serie A side expires in the summer of 2027 as things stand.

And the player's agent Andre Cury has explained that, due to his client's contract about to enter its final 18 months, Atalanta's previous desired price for Ederson of between €60m and €75m now has the potential to drop by a significant amount.

Speaking to Cadena Ser, Cury said: "It's an opportunity because his contract is expiring. Atalanta hasn't wanted to sell him despite receiving very high offers. I think they'll complete the transfer in this winter or summer window.

"He's close to the end of his contract, they could even lower his price by half, to between 30 and 40 million, but he's a spectacular player with some of the best stats in Europe for his position."

The 26-year-old joined Atalanta in 2022 from Salernitana and has scored 14 goals in 151 matches in all competitions in that time.