Fred wants to join Man United in the summer transfer window and could complete his transfer to Old Trafford from Shakhtar next month. Manchester United are close to making Brazil international Fred their first summer signing. The MEN understands United expect to complete a deal for the 25-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk at the start of next month as they attempt to conclude the majority of their transfer business early in the window. Fred, who was named in the 23-man Brazil World Cup squad, is travelling to Europe next week for the national team’s friendly with Croatia at Liverpool’s Anfield stadium and could finalise his move to United during his stay in the north-west of England. Anfield is only 29 miles away from United’s Carrington training complex, where Fred would undergo a medical.
United intensified interest in Fred last month in a bid to quickly reinforce their midfield following Michael Carrick’s retirement. Should Marouane Fellaini leave on a free transfer then Jose Mourinho is keen on adding a young box-to-box central midfielder to his squad. Shakhtar inserted a €60million release clause into Fred’s last contract but that is not thought to have been a stumbling block for United in their negotiations with the Brazilian’s representatives. Fred held talks with his agent, the former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, earlier this week and his camp are eager to secure a switch to United before the World Cup starts. Gilberto flew to England after meeting Fred in Brazil.
City seemed set to sign Fred in January but coach Pep Guardiola turned his attention to central defender Aymeric Laporte, who arrived from Athletic Bilbao for a club record £57million. Fred’s representatives were hopeful United would enter the bidding on deadline day and flew to England on the off-chance of finalising a transfer. United manager Mourinho hinted last month he could make a Brazilian signing, with United also keen on Juventus left-back Alex Sandro and Chelsea winger Willian. Fred has only attained seven Brazil caps and was a surprise inclusion in coach Tite’s World Cup squad. City are believed to have ended their pursuit of Fred and have prioritised Napoli midfielder Jorginho, who was scouted by United earlier in the season.
