Brazil midfielder Fred has insisted his focus remains firmly on the World Cup amid rumours of an impending £52million move from Shakhtar Donetsk to Manchester United.

The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, came on as a second-half substitute in Sunday’s 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield.

Fred told Brazilian newspaper Globo: “I’ll still talk to my agents to find out the reality of it.

“I want to focus only on the team. It’s a unique time, the World Cup. We have to try to forget things from outside.”

Reports in Brazil indicated that a deal to become United’s first signing of the summer is so close that the player is due to use his time in the north-west to head to Old Trafford for a medical.

But Fred was evasive when questioned about his exact itinerary, insisting: “I’m going to talk to the people and meet my friends. I still do not know where I’m going.”

Meanwhile Brazil coach Tite urged the player to resolve his future as soon as possible in order to retain focus on the finals in Russia.

Brazil complete preparations ahead of their quest for a six World Cup title when they face Austria in Vienna next Sunday.

After the 2-0 win, Tite told reporters: “When there is some referral, which is inevitable, the plan is to resolve it as soon as possible.

“If I were a {manager}, I would ask to hire him too.”

United are already reportedly close to agreeing to sign 19-year-old right-back Diogo Dalot from Porto.