Fred to United close

Manchester United expect to wrap up the deal that would bring Shakhtar’s Fred to Old Trafford next month, according to Manchester Evening News.

Fred was linked with Manchester City for a long time, but Pep Guardiola eventually turned away from the Brazilian and started focusing on Napoli’s Jorginho. This development has left the door wide open for Jose Mourrinho to swoop in as he continues his search for players that would fit into his midfield. Michael Carrick has played his last game and Marouane Fellaini might still leave on a free transfer, and that would leave his squad pretty thin in the middle unless adequate signings are made.

Fred has been included in the Brazil 23-man squad for the upcoming World Cup and is set to play in a friendly against Croatia at Anfield in Liverpool next week. The deal could be completed then as Anfield and Manchester United’s  Carrington training complex (where the medical would be done) are less than 30 miles apart.