Man Utd 'line up Casemiro replacement' as INEOS sign off on £50m January transfer

Manchester United chiefs have reportedly given the green light to a January move for Atalanta star Ederson. A new midfielder is understood to be on Ruben Amorim’s radar ahead of the winter transfer window.

Ederson has been key to an Atalanta side who have overperformed in recent seasons. Arsenal, Newcastle and Manchester City have also been linked with the 25-year-old.

United could bring forward their plans to sign Ederson to the January window in an attempt to beat the competition. It is claimed that INEOS have given a potential deal the go-ahead despite the fact it could cost a substantial sum.

According to Italian publication Tuttomercatoweb, United see Ederson as a replacement for Casemiro, who has struggled for form over the past year. The experienced Brazilian will be 33 in February and has struggled to replicate the performances that made him one of Europe’s best defensive midfielders at Real Madrid.

The report claims that United will need to offer at least £50million to even persuade Atalanta to enter negotiations over Ederson. INEOS could be persuaded to pay that sum as the player would play a vital role in helping United improve under Amorim.

Casemiro has floundered in some of his early appearances since the new United boss’ arrival. Manuel Ugarte seems to have the trust of Amorim having worked under the 39-year-old at Sporting.

Another midfielder could be a key addition at Old Trafford. United will need to beat several Premier League and European rivals to the signing of Ederson. Those other clubs – mostly playing in the Champions League – might be much more attractive propositions.

The January window presents an extremely busy month for United. Several stars could be set to depart as Amorim rebuilds his squad and attempts to challenge for trophies.

Marcus Rashford seems to be headed for the exit, either in January or next summer. The forward admitted before Christmas that he needed a “new challenge” and he has been excluded from United’s last three matches across all competitions.

Amorim insists United are better with Rashford in the team but he seems in no rush to reintegrate the 27-year-old into his matchday squad. Rashford reportedly has interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain.

United may benefit from further attacking additions. They have been linked with Viktor Gyokeres, who shone under Amorim at Sporting.