Manchester United are edging closer to their first signing of the summer, with Shaktar Donetsk midfielder Fred close to agreeing a deal.
Although nothing has yet been agreed it is thought The Red Devils want to complete the signing before the start of the World Cup; with Fred set to feature for Brazil.
The Brazilian had been linked with United’s City rivals as a a long term replacement for fellow Brazilian Fernandinho, but a deal never materialiased.
In March Fred’s advisor and former Arsenal midfielder, Gilberto Silva said that the Brazilian was looking for a move to the Premier League.
“At the moment we are open for the market and, when you see the whole market in football, the Premier League is one of the targets.
“We had inquiries for him in the last transfer window, but it didn’t happen. The Premier League is his preferred destination.” Silva told Sky Sport’s The Debate.
This is not the first time United have beaten City to a signature with Alexis Sanchez signing from Arsenal in January.
Jose Mourinho is looking to make signings early in the window as he did back in 2014 at Chelsea, where he signed Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas all before the World Cup in Brazil had kicked off. He eventually went on to a League and Cup double with the Blues.
Fred doesn’t come without his controversies though as at the 2015 COPA America tested positive for diuretic Hydrochlorothiazide and was banned for from all footballing activity for a year.
Fred has all the attributes to be a world class midfielder; strong, composed with both feet and prepared to do the dirty work, is he the signing that could allow us to see the best of Paul Pogba?