Manchester United posted a formal interest in Ederson earlier this year and have maintained dialogue with his representatives. The collapse of Atletico Madrid's attempt to sign him opens the door for United to move more decisively, with the player himself understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford.
Ederson's availability at around £34.5m plus a further £4.3m in add-ons represents relative value in a summer market where central midfielders are commanding inflated fees. The Brazilian has one year remaining on his Atalanta contract, which further strengthens United's negotiating position. He was not selected by Carlo Ancelotti for Brazil's World Cup squad, removing any potential complications around his participation in the tournament.
United's midfield need is acute. Casemiro's departure to Inter Miami leaves a significant gap, and Manuel Ugarte is attracting interest from clubs in Turkey and Ajax, creating the prospect of a further exit. United are targeting at least two midfield additions this summer, and Ederson's profile — a physically imposing Brazilian capable of operating both as a holding midfielder and a box-to-box player — fits several of the roles head coach Michael Carrick wants to address.
The wage structure is a consideration. United's internal rate for midfielders of Ederson's profile is understood to be around £150,000 per week, rising with Champions League bonuses. Bringing him in line with that framework is part of the negotiation that will need to be resolved before any deal can be concluded.
United have also discussed Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson, who has attracted interest from Manchester City and is likely to be priced out of reach given the £90m valuation placed on him. West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle United's Sandro Tonali have also been assessed, though Tonali's valuation has cooled United's initial interest. Aurélien Tchouaméni at Real Madrid has been admired should he become available.
Atletico Madrid, meanwhile, are continuing talks to sign Wolves midfielder João Gomes and have joined the considerable queue for Manchester City's departing captain Bernardo Silva as a free agent.