Brazilian midfielder Ederson was linked with a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window.
A report from TuttoMercatoWeb claims that Newcastle United were keen on signing the 24-year-old Atalanta midfielder and they were prepared to pay €40 million for him before the transfer window closed.
However, the Italian outfit were not keen on letting the player leave for any amount. The Italian side were determined not to lose a key player midway through the season. The report further states that Newcastle would have probably increased their offer above €40 million if they had encouragement from the Italian club. Steve Nickson reportedly travelled to Bergamo in order to broker a move, but Atalanta stood firm.
It will be interesting to see if Newcastle decide to resurrect their interest in the player at the end of the season. It is no secret that they need to bring in central midfield reinforcements and the Brazilian could prove to be a quality acquisition.
Summer signing Sandro Tonali is currently suspended for his involvement in an illegal betting scandal and Newcastle could have used a midfielder like Ederson during the second half of the campaign. They will be thoroughly disappointed to have missed out on him.
The midfield is clearly in need of quality and depth. It remains to be seen whether Newcastle can finish the season strongly, regardless of their deficiencies and push for European qualification.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Newcastle so far. They were expected to compete for major trophies and secure UEFA Champions League qualification once again. It does not seem like they will finish in the top four and therefore they will miss out on Champions League football next season.
In addition to that, they might need to get rid of some of their first team players in order to comply with the financial fair play regulations, after having spent freely in the previous windows.
As for Ederson, he will be keen on a move to the Premier League and it remains to be seen where he ends up. He has been linked with the number of English clubs in recent weeks and he is unlikely to have any shortage of suitors.
