United weigh fresh bid for Ederson after knee concerns derail £38.8m Atalanta deal

Manchester United are weighing a renegotiated offer for Atalanta midfielder Ederson after a knee injury flagged during his medical threw a previously agreed £38.8m transfer into doubt.

United had struck a deal worth £35m plus £3.8m in add-ons with Atalanta roughly six weeks ago, with personal terms on a four-year contract also in place. The move was expected to be completed in early July, but Ederson’s late call-up to the Brazil squad for the World Cup delayed proceedings. He underwent part of his medical in the United States and had further checks after Brazil were eliminated by Norway in the last 16.

Those additional tests revealed concerns over a knee injury the 27-year-old sustained last season. Sources in Italy have since claimed the deal is off entirely, with Atalanta reportedly preparing to hand Ederson a new five-year contract to keep him at the club. United, however, have not ruled out proceeding and are exploring whether a restructured offer could still get the signing over the line.

Should United decide to move on, they have alternatives identified. Wolves midfielder Joao Gomes remains on their shortlist after Atletico Madrid withdrew from their own pursuit of the Portuguese international — the La Liga side ultimately signing Morten Hjulmand from Sporting instead. Gomes is expected to leave Molineux this summer and is considered a viable option.

United have also already secured one midfield addition this window, agreeing a £50m deal with Chelsea to sign 22-year-old Andrey Santos.