Reports are emerging suggesting that Jose Mourinho is close to making his first acquisition of the summer in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.
The player is rumoured to have had a €60 million pound release clause inserted in his last contract, but this is not a stumbling block for Mourinho, who is eager to strengthen his midfield following the retirement of Michael Carrick and the uncertainty surrounding the futures of Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Manchester United intend to wrap up a deal for the Brazilian before the World Cup gets underway in June. Fred will be in England next week as the Selecao take on Croatia in a friendly taking place in Anfield, with the outlet suggesting a medical will be done then.
Fred's agent is former Arsenal legend Gilberto Silva, and the 41-year-old was reportedly in Manchester at the end of the January transfer window looking to arrange a transfer for his client amid interest from both City and United.
Fred, who was named in Brazil's 23 man squad for Russia, joined Shakhtar Donetsk in 2013 and has scored 14 goals for them over 156 appearances, and has seven caps for his national team.
Mourinho is also on the lookout for a left back with reports linking the club to Juventus full back Alex Sandro.
