Manchester United are said to have an edge in the race for a new midfield option, separate from their reported interest in Atalanta’s Ederson and Palmeiras’ Richard Rios.
Reports have linked Ederson with a move to United, who are looking to strengthen the midfield under Ruben Amorim ahead of next season.
Atalanta aren’t expected to make things easy for United, with reports suggesting they’ll want around £51.7m (€60m) before considering a deal.
Richard Rios is another name on United’s list. The Palmeiras midfielder caught attention during the FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
The Colombian has been valued at around €30m by his club, and while he may be more affordable than Ederson, talks haven’t advanced beyond early links so far.
Man Utd turn to Morten Hjulmand amid ongoing links to Ederson and Richard Rios

Morten Hjulmand has caught Manchester United’s eye, and the club may look to reunite the Sporting CP captain with Ruben Amorim later this summer.
The Danish defensive midfielder has already worked alongside Amorim, who took over as United manager after leaving Sporting CP in 2024.
Hjulmand became Sporting’s captain following Sebastian Coates’ departure and is signed with the Portuguese club until 2028.
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According to Stretty News, United now view Hjulmand as a ‘priority target’, though they could face competition for his signature before the window closes.
The report also noted that Atalanta’s Ederson and Palmeiras’ Richard Rios remain under consideration for Amorim as potential alternatives.
Hjulmand joined Sporting from Lecce in 2023, and his current contract includes a £69.5m (€80m) release clause.
Man Utd face competition to sign Morten Hjulmand, but Amorim’s presence could give them an edge
According to Stretty News, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Liverpool, Juventus and Barcelona are all interested in Morten Hjulmand.
The report claims that those six clubs are all monitoring the situation and could decide to make a move, with United also keen on him.
The report also points to United as the best-placed club to land Hjulmand from Sporting CP, due to Amorim’s connection with the Danish midfielder.
Despite having a £69.5m release clause, the 26-year-old player could leave Sporting for a lower fee – somewhere around €50–60 million.
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