Jose Mourinho appears to be wasting no time in the summer transfer market.
Not even a week on from their FA Cup final loss to Chelsea at Wembley, Manchester United look to be closing in on Brazilian midfielder, Fred.
The 25-year-old had been strongly linked with Manchester City earlier in the year, but reports in recent days have claimed that United are now strong favourites to sign him after holding talks with his club, Shakhtar Donetsk.
With United now believed to be in advanced discussions for Fred, the player has joined up with the Brazil squad ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
Speaking during a press conference covered by Globo Esporte in his homeland, Fred confirmed news of a bid from United – also adding that there had been talks with City in the new year.
“The talks had been in progress since January with City. Soon after, City and United talked to Shakhtar and my agents.
“And now, if I’m not mistaken, there is news of a very strong bid from United.”
Despite a move to United seeming close, Fred went on to insist he was focusing firmly on the national side for the time being, claiming he would leave negotiations over his future to his representatives.
“As far as negotiations go, I am only [focused] on the World Cup. You just think about that, forget about other things. My agents are taking care of it.”
Despite being in talks about a possible move to The Etihad, City are believed to have cooled their interest in Fred. Instead, they are thought to be working on a deal to sign Napoli midfielder Jorginho.
United, meanwhile, are expected to move for several players this summer. Reports have also claimed United are also hoping to bring Toby Alderweireld to Old Trafford from Tottenham. The 29-year-old Belgian international only featured six times for Spurs since recovering from a hamstring injury in January.
