Manchester United appear to have beaten Manchester City to the race for Fred after the Brazil international revealed that talks over a move are at an ‘advanced stage’.
According to ESPNFC, United want to announce the signing of the 25-year-old ahead of the World Cup in three weeks’ time – as long as they can thrash out the finer details of the deal with Shakhtar Donetsk.
The midfielder had previously been heavily linked to City, though Pep Guardiola’s side are now thought to be aligning their sights on Napoli playmaker Jorginho instead.
“Talks have been at an advanced stage since January, if I am not mistaken,” said Fred. “There was a possible transfer to City. Shortly after, both clubs, City and United talked with Shakhtar and with my agents about a possible transfer.
“And if I am not mistaken, there was news of a strong bid by United. But I am focused solely on the World Cup.
“My agents are taking care of this, led by Gilberto Silva. He’s a very calm guy, one that I give all the freedom [to decide], as he is someone I deeply trust.”
Right said Fred: Jose Mourinho is closing in on his first summer signing.
Fred, a diminutive but all-action central midfielder who can strike a mean free-kick, has played in Ukraine for Shakhtar since 2013.
He has won seven caps for Brazil though is not expected to start for his country ahead of midfield trio Casemiro, Renato Augusto and Paulinho.
“It’s an honour to be on the radar of great European coaches,” added Fred.
“They are two great coaches from Manchester (Guardiola and Mourinho), as well as our national head coach (Tite). But I believe I have a versatility on the pitch and I’m a multi-skilled player, being able to play in both midfield positions.
“I believe that some coaches need that with their teams. I think that this grabs the attention of some coaches and I think it is an important point for me.”