Newcastle can pull off coup by finalising Ederson deal after journalist's update, stats prove why

Newcastle United will soon start to become desperate in their hunt for new central midfielders this summer after they were snubbed at the final stage again.

The Magpies had agreed a fee to sign Johan Manzambi from Freiburg, but have seen their deal hijacked by Aston Villa.

The talented midfielder, who has starred at the World Cup, has chosen to sign for the Villans instead after failing to agree personal terms at St James' Park.

Newcastle have already lost Sandro Tonali to Tottenham this summer and Bruno Guimaraes is keen to join Arsenal, in a potential move that would leave Eddie Howe's squad depleted.

Sean Steur has arrrived from Ajax this summer, but the midfielder is just 18 and has 26 senior appearances to his name.

One option has become available in the past few days, with Manchester United pulling out of their £38m deal to sign Ederson from Atalanta.

Ederson presents ideal opportunity for Newcastle

Ederson, who turned 27 earlier this month, was a target for Man United from the get-go this summer and looked set to join.

The midfielder made 41 appearances across all competitions and was a late call-up to the Brazil squad, appearing off the bench twice.

Importantly, the former Corinthians has just one year remaining on his contract and is available at a bargain price when compared to the astronomical fees being touted and paid this summer.

It remains unclear why Man United have pulled out of the deal. Some claim that a injury issue was discovered in the medical, but Atlanta have reportedly denied that there is anything wrong and have offered him a new contract.

That risk will be Newcastle's to take if they are to make a move, but at the moment, they may well need anything they can get.

How do Ederson's stats stack up?

When comparing Ederson to Tonali from the season just gone, one thing immediately stands out.

The Brazilian scored two goals to the Italian's none in league football, and produced an impressive 4.36 expected goals - suggesting that he is a significant goal-threat.

Indeed, the 27-year-old takes far more shots than Tonali per game, completes more long balls (3.22 to 2.51) and produces only slightly less successful dribbles (0.64 to 0.67).

Defensively, it is almost no contest. Ederson registers more tackles, clearances and interceptions than Tonali, who makes slightly more blocks. His 1.41 tackles won per game to the new Tottenham man's 0.92 represents a large gulf.

Ederson may represent a desperate signing for Newcastle if they make it, but make no mistake - the midfielder would thrive at St James' Park.