Manchester United are reportedly preparing a strong offer for Roma midfielder Manu Kone after their proposed move for Atalanta star Ederson collapsed.
The Red Devils have quickly shifted their attention to alternative midfield targets as they look to strengthen Ruben Amorim’s squad before the new season.
Andrey Santos Set to Become First Summer Arrival
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is expected to become Manchester United’s first signing of the summer after successfully completing his medical on Friday.
The Brazilian is now on course to complete his switch to Old Trafford, with an official announcement expected soon.
Ederson Transfer Breaks Down
United had reached an agreement with Atalanta for Ederson at the beginning of June, but doubts emerged earlier this week regarding whether the transfer would go ahead.
Those concerns were confirmed on Friday when transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealed that the move had collapsed following the player’s medical assessment.
Romano Explains Why the Move Collapsed
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano explained that the transfer was initially progressing as expected but ultimately fell apart after Manchester United carried out extensive medical examinations.
“It’s been a crazy 24 hours. The Brazilian midfielder from Atalanta was expected to join Manchester United, but I kept saying over the last seven to ten days that we needed to wait for the medical checks and the next steps.
“Now we can confirm that Atalanta have received official communication that the Ederson deal is off. Ederson to Manchester United is not happening.”
Romano added that Atalanta made it clear they believe the midfielder is fully fit.
“Atalanta insist that Ederson is 100% fit and ready to play, just as he showed while representing Brazil at the World Cup.
“However, Manchester United wanted additional medical evaluations, and after several rounds of tests, they decided not to proceed with the transfer.”
Atalanta Ready to Keep Ederson
With the transfer now cancelled, Atalanta are happy to welcome Ederson back into the squad.
The Brazilian midfielder has one year remaining on his current contract, and the Serie A club are prepared to retain him for the upcoming campaign.
