Ederson talks accelerate as likely destination revealed after Man United 'shock'

Atalanta are looking increasingly likely to keep Ederson this summer despite Newcastle recently joining the race for his services, sources have told Football Insider.

Eddie Howe has identified Ederson as a target to bolster his midfield ranks following Sandro Tonali's departure.

They have already raided Ajax for young star Sean Steur, but Howe wants to add more quality to his midfield ranks amid uncertainty around Bruno Guimaraes' future.

Ederson had looked all set to join Man United until they flagged a knee issue in his medical and surprisingly pulled out of the deal last week.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Newcastle need to move quickly to agree a move as Atalanta are now trying to tie the Brazil international to a new long-term contract.

They remain keen on his services despite Man United's uncertainty, but Atalanta are now in pole position to agree an extension.

Newcastle falling behind as Atalanta progress in Ederson talks

Ederson has been a regular for Atalanta since joining the club in 2022, and any move to St James' Park now looks set to hinge on his own personal stance and potential desire to leave.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "Atalanta are quite relaxed with the whole situation, obviously they're a bit surprised that Manchester United haven't gone ahead and finalised that deal, but they're willing to welcome Ederson back into the fold.

"They are in talks over a new contract, and if they can sort that out, he’ll sign a new long-term deal at Atalanta, and that would probably end any potential move away in that respect. As it sounds right now, it's more likely that he'll end up staying at Atalanta."

Which other midfielders are Newcastle targeting?

Newcastle are facing a tough summer as they aim to stay within the confines of UEFA's financial rules, after they committed to a three-year settlement agreement with the governing body.

Ederson is not the only midfielder on their radar as it stands, with negotiations believed to have been opened with Parma over a deal for Mandela Keita.

Sources have revealed to Football Insider that Nottingham Forest are working hard to sign Lucas Bergvall from Spurs, but The Athletic reported on Friday that Newcastle had seen a £46million bid for his services rejected.

Wolves' Joao Gomes and Frankfurt man Hugo Larsson are also reported targets for the Magpies as it stands.