Manchester United have now opened talks to sign a £52m midfielder who's "out of this world", with Ruben Amorim identifying him as one of his top targets, according to a report.

Neville urges Man Utd to sign new midfielder

The rebuild is well underway at Man United, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first major signing of the summer, while they remain in the running for Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo, but Gary Neville believes several other signings will be necessary.

The United legend said: "It needs a big overhaul in the summer. Five or six players minimum to be able to change the direction of how he wants to play. There’s at least two forwards, a central midfield player, definitely two wing backs and another centre-back. They need six players minimum."

The Red Devils are now closing in on a new central midfielder, with a deal for Valencia's Javi Guerra thought to be edging closer to completion, while they have also stepped up their pursuit of a Serie A star.

That is according to a report from GOAL (via Football Transfers), which states that Man United have now opened talks over a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, having been identified as one of Amorim's top targets.

The central midfielder is highly sought-after, with AC Milan and Juventus submitting enquiries of their own, while he also has plenty of admirers from within the Premier League, including Arsenal, Newcastle United and Chelsea.

None of the aforementioned English clubs are expected to make moves, however, potentially opening the door for a move to Old Trafford, but a deal is unlikely to be cheap, with the Italian club setting an asking price of €60m (£52m).

Ederson could take Man Utd's midfield to next level

Former England boss Fabio Capello was left extremely impressed by the Brazilian's performances last season, saying: "He is out of this world for his ability to combine running, physicality, technique and intelligence".

Central midfield has been a real problem position for the Red Devils in recent times, with Manuel Ugarte's struggles since arriving at Old Trafford well-documented, while Jamie Carragher infamously suggested Casemiro is finished at the top level.

With the former Real Madrid man now 33-years-old, it is clear that Amorim needs to bring in a long-term replacement, and the Atalanta star could be a solid option, having been dubbed a "machine" in midfield by journalist Carlo Garganese.

Ederson could be a fantastic signing for Man United this summer, and it is a boost that Arsenal, Newcastle and Chelsea aren't expected to make approaches, given that the propsect of playing in the Champions League could appeal to the Brazil international.