Manchester United may have significantly strengthened at the back but their hunt for a defensive midfielder remains ongoing but so far, nothing has materialised.

The deal for Manuel Ugarte seems to be progressing but the club will not be held to ransom. They have kept alternatives ready in case anything goes south.

Sander Berge was touted as a possible target but Burnley’s demands have shocked INEOS who also suffered rejection at the hands of Youssouf Fofana, who seems to be heading to AC Milan instead.

Ederson of Atalanta was also mentioned as a target but the Serie A team are desperate to hold on to the Brazilian and are in no mood to relinquish him on a cut-price fee.

CDM hunt ongoing

As per AS, the team from Bergamo want €60 million, a fee United had refused to pay PSG for Ugarte and there is little chance that they will pay the same for Ederson.

There is a lot of interest from all across Europe but Atalanta are standing firm and have no intention of selling the 25-year-old.

“According to AS, several clubs will try to get Éderson out of the Gewiss Stadium until the market closes. Atalanta has valued him at 60 million euros and does not want to let him go .

“There have been many teams that have tested the waters for Ederson this summer. Manchester United are in constant talks with all parties, but at the moment he is only one of the alternatives in case the operation for Ugarte does not end up bearing fruit.

“But they are not the only one. Unai Emery wants him for Aston Villa’s debut in the Champions League . After the departure of Douglas Luiz for Juve, the Villans have been left orphaned in the center of midfield.

Ederson being eyed

“Juventus tried to fish twice in Bergamo before landing Douglas Luiz. But out of all the options, only one really made a move for the Brazilian. Atlético de Madrid kept him as their target for the transfer market, although they finally decided to go for Gallagher.”

The 20-time English league champions had scouted the Brazil international extensively last season and even spoke to his camp regarding a move.

The 25-year-old was in the top five percent among his peers in Serie A for tackles won, duels won and interceptions (as per fotmob) while he also scored seven times last season.

His abilities make him a perfect fit for United’s system but Ten Hag prefers the Uruguayan and hence, Ederson is unlikely to be heading to the Theatre of Dreams this summer.

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