- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Al-Nassr have backed away from their deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson.
The Saudi Pro League side tabled a bid for the Brazilian shot-stopper and were willing to make him the highest-paid player in the world.
It is understood that Al-Nassr’s bid was worth £25million but Manchester City wanted more than £40million to allow Ederson to leave.
As a result, Al-Nassr have switched their attention to signing Ederson’s Brazil teammate Bento and HITC understands that a £15million deal has now been agreed.
Bento had attracted interest from England with the likes of Chelsea and Wolves, but he is now headed to the Saudi Pro League.
City are now prepared to offer Ederson a new deal to stay in Manchester despite being taken aback by his stance on leaving the club. He is still viewed by the club as the best goalkeeper in the world.
HITC previously revealed that Ederson informed City of his wish to accept the Saudi deal.
Saudi Arabia interest in Ederson and Alisson remains
Al Nassr’s interest in Ederson has collapsed, but other Saudi clubs remain interested in his signature.
Al-Ittihad are still looking for a new goalkeeper signing this summer so City could face further interest in the 30-year-old.
READ MORE: Manchester City are ‘digging hard’ to sign Euro 2024 star who can leave this week for £50m
HITC understands that the Saudi Pro League also looked at Liverpool‘s Alisson as an option but the fee to capture him was similar to City’s £40million demands.
With Al-Ittihad still on the hunt for a shot-stopper then the Reds goalkeeper could join Ederson on their target list.
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