Manchester City’s Ederson replacement search takes hit as potential target set to stay in Italy | OneFootball

The search for a long-term replacement for Ederson at Manchester City has narrowed following a decision to retain the services of one goalkeeper, according to reports.

The future of the Brazil international at the Etihad Stadium remains in doubt heading towards the summer transfer window that will come off the back of a challenging campaign on a personal note for the shot-stopper.

Having endured reoccurrences of a groin problem throughout the campaign, Ederson’s number of absences from Manchester City action have increased and as such opened the door for more opportunities for Stefan Ortega Moreno to impress.

The German’s own future is also not entirely concrete as he continues to hold a firm desire to become of one Europe’s leading clubs’ number one choice between the posts, and may assess such options come the summer should it not appear possible at Manchester City.

And it appears as though while Etihad Stadium officials have been preparing themselves for possible change in the goalkeeper ranks during the off-season, their options have been somewhat limited following a new development.

According to the information of Tuttosport, as translated and relayed by JuveFC, while Manchester City had identified Juventus’ Michele Di Gregorio as a potential solution to the idea of Ederson leaving this summer, a stern approach is being taken by the Serie A side.

It is detailed that while Juventus are willing to do business for fellow Manchester City transfer target Andrea Cambiaso, the club will be firm in retaining their number one choice goalkeeper unless a ‘monstrous’ offer landed.

Having spent €4.5 million to secure Di Gregorio’s services on loan for the ongoing season, the Bianconeri will sanction an additional €13.5 million to make the deal permanent and keep him out of the grasps of other admirers in Europe.

It remains to be seen what other options Manchester City could explore in the summer having been linked with only a handful of names, including those from La Liga and the Portuguese top-flight in recent weeks.

Among the names to have attracted attention from various clubs across Europe, largely due to his own role as a back-up, is Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin – who impressed during last season’s UEFA Champions League triumph with Los Blancos.

The 26-year-old’s fellow Ukrainian goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin of Benfica could also emerge as a target, with some tenuous claims in the media suggesting over the last few days that Manchester City are prepared to open talks over a possible deal.