Man City lead chase for Fred

Manchester City are the favourites to land Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, according to Mircea Lucescu.

The 24-year-old joined the Pitmen back in 2013 as a replacement for Fernandinho and he could now follow his compatriot to Etihad Stadium.

According to former Shakhtar Donestk boss Mircea Lucescu, Fred is almost certain to join Manchester City at the end of the season.

“Shakhtar Donetsk’s best player is Fred in the centre of midfield,” said Lucescu. “He was a bit anarchic on the left. I moved him in front of the defence. He will go to City like Fernandinho before him.”

It is believed that the cost of the transfer would be close to £50 million as Fred has a deal until June 2023 at Shakhtar Donetsk.

The highly rated midfielder, who has 6 Brazil caps to his name, has so far made 91 league appearances for the Pitmen, scoring 9 goals.