New Man United 'target' can be perfect Kobbie Mainoo partner as Manuel Ugarte deal stalls

Atalanta star Ederson has all the qualities to be a perfect midfield partner for Kobbie Mainoo, according to his former Corinthians boss.

Manchester United have been on the prowl for reinforcements in the engine room throughout the summer and have been locked in negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for midfielder Manuel Ugarte. But they have remained resistant to meet the French champions' £51.4million asking price.

The slow progress could see Erik ten Hag's side look for other targets, with Ederson a viable choice to partner Mainoo given the Brazilian's strengths and how they compliment the England star.

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The Brazil international is reportedly being considered by the Red Devils as the 25-year-old - who won the Europa League with Atalanta last season - has bundles of qualities that could make him the ideal signing for United who have struggled in the midfield department in recent years.

"He is a box-to-box player with the energy to keep going back and forth all the time," his former coach Tiago Nunes said. "My first impressions were of a player with a lot of strength, a lot of physical ability, a player who was a powerful striker on the ball, with good technique. Basically, someone with characteristics that are difficult to find, especially in Brazilian football."

Ederson's license to drive up the pitch and into the final third - which saw him bag seven goals in all competitions last season - could see him thrive with Mainoo sitting back and controlling the tempo of a game.

"He has two main strengths, firstly, on the