Report: Atletico Madrid join Newcastle in the battle to sign £26million midfielder from Atalanta

Atletico Madrid have joined Newcastle United, Man United and Spurs in the race to sign Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta this summer.

The 24-year-old midfielder has made 27 Serie A appearances for Atalanta this season scoring five goals.

Newcastle are looking to get Ederson to put pen to paper in an attempt to bolster their midfield options, but the Spanish giants are a new contender that Eddie Howe will have to deal with to get his signature.

Reports from ontheminute suggest that Atleti head coach Diego Simone is keen to improve his sides midfield options and is eyeing the Brazilian valued at €30m.

Ederson could be the Brazilian replacement for Joelinton should he leave.

Cult hero Joelinton's contract is up in 2025 and there has been no news in terms of progress since Amanda Staveley took over renewal talks from Dan Ashworth after he was placed on gardening leave.

According to WhoScored, Ederson is a player who loves a tackle and is very strong at that. Like Joelinton, he will be first to win an aerial duel and get stuck in to win the ball back.

Also like Joelinton, Ederson has quite a hot streak. Racking up nine yellow cards in all competitions throughout the season.

Ederson joining means more stability for Eddie Howe in the midfield.

On the other hand if Joelinton stays, we have the potential to field an all Brazilian midfield three. How good would that be!

At the moment, Newcastle's midfield is one of the weaker positions in terms of depth. Outside of what would be the traditional front three (Joelinton, Bruno, Tonali) Eddie Howe has to look to the likes of Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock along with a 17-year-old Lewis Miley.

Miley has impressed in his performances this season, but at that age he still has a lot to learn before he can be a consistent first team player.

Longstaff is struggling with an ankle problem all season and may need surgery.

Willock is another player with injury problems and is still trying to find his feet this season.

Another experienced midfield option would take a weight off of Howe's shoulders.