Ben Guest
It has been the big story of the day in most media outlets that Manchester United are close to agreeing a deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, but the latest reports now suggest the potential transfer has taken another step closer.
The Brazilian midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Manchester City back in January as Pep Guardiola looked to sign a long term replacement for Fernandinho, but was unable to agree a deal with the Ukrainian side. Reports recently however have suggested that Guardiola has cooled his interest over the recent months, preferring to target Napoli midfielder Jorginho, allowing United to have a clear run to sign Fred.
While many media outlets have said United are trying to get a deal done before the World Cup, well respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that a deal has now been agreed.
That claim is also backed up by fellow Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano who claims a fee of €50 million (£43.8m) has now been agreed between the two clubs, with the contract signing and medical to take place shortly.
https://twitter.com/fabrizioromano/status/999657910400626693?s=21
Fred is currently in Brazil training with the national team ahead of this summer’s World Cup, but will crucially be in England in just over a weeks time as Brazil play Croatia at Anfield, a ground less than 30 miles from Manchester United’s Carrington training base.
It is thought that Fred would form a crucial part of a three man midfield alongside Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic.
The report also claims that while Man Utd are interested in Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, they are so far being put off by Lazio’s €100 million valuation of the Serbian.
Di Marzio also claims United are looking at Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic.