There is also plenty of admiration for Real Madrid’s Aurélien Tchouaméni, who is considered a top-level No 6. But there are various complexities to a deal, not least the forthcoming presidential elections at the Spanish giants, their managerial situation and whether they pursue a move for City’s Rodri, who has been offered a new contract to stay at the Etihad Stadium.
United released their third-quarter results for the season on Wednesday, which revealed a £37.7m operating profit over a nine-month period, compared to a £3.2m loss the previous year.
But United are still operating to a specific budget this summer and must make their money work as effectively as possible.
Sacking Ruben Amorim cost United £16.7m, accounts show. Amorim was dismissed in January just over a year after they paid £11m to bring him to England from Sporting in Portugal.
Éderson is on the lower end of the cost scale but ticks several boxes, including having lots of Champions League experience, being robust and accustomed to playing every few days and being good at recovering the ball, patrolling the pitch and retaining possession.