Manchester United are in advanced talks to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred in a deal worth €50m (£43.8m), reports The Guardian.
Jose Mourinho has made bolstering his midfield options a top transfer priority this summer and wants to make at least two new additions.
Michael Carrick has retired and Marouane Fellaini’s contract expires this summer, meaning United will need to replenish their options.
United have been linked with a move for Fred all season and have swooped for the Brazil international in the wake of Manchester City cooling their interest.
City are now pursuing Napoli midfielder Jorginho, paving the way for United to have a free run at signing Fred.
Brazil are due to play a friendly against Croatia at Anfield at the start of June and it’s likely that Fred will finalise a move to United then, when he will be free to undergo a medical with Mourinho’s side.
United were also planning a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic but have put their interest on hold, as the Serie A side are demanding €100m (£87.4m).
Of players that have attempted at least 25 dribbles in the Champions League this season, Fred has the best success rate (88.5%).
