Man Utd ‘eye shock Ederson transfer but have £42.5m opening bid rejected’

MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly had a £42.5million bid turned down for Atalanta star Ederson.

The Brazilian midfielder, 25, has emerged as a top target for Erik ten Hag ahead of next week’s transfer deadline.

And Alfredo Pedulla claims United launched an offer for Ederson during a meeting with Atalanta chiefs on Wednesday.

It’s claimed the Red Devils linked up with their Italian counterparts to “settle some paperwork” over Rasmus Hojlund’s £72m move to Old Trafford last summer.

During the talks, United presented a formal offer worth £42.5m for Ederson, who made his international debut earlier this year.

The former Corinthians youngster, who has also been linked with Newcastle, has blossomed into one of Serie A’s top industrious midfielders.

Ederson’s skills came to the fore when he dominated Xabi Alonso’s unbeaten Bayer Leverkusen to help Atalanta win last season’s Europa League.

And United are likely to see him as the natural successor to veteran compatriot Casemiro.

However, the Red Devils’ bid was immediately turned down by Atalanta.

The Italians are said to have no interest in selling Ederson so close to deadline day.

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They have a Champions League campaign to look forward this season.

And Atalanta are already scrambling to cover their backs after Paris Saint-Germain made a swoop for striker and Arsenal target Ademola Lookman.

It means United will have to look elsewhere if Erik ten Hag insists on adding another midfielder to his squad.

The Dutchman had been hoping to do business with PSG over a deal for Manuel Ugarte.

But the Uruguayan could cost as much as £60m, a fee United cannot afford.

There were links to Sander Berge too, but he has now left Burnley for Fulham in a £27m switch.