Manchester United have received a potential boost in their pursuit of Brazilian midfielder Fred, who is leaning towards a Premier League move at the end of the season. Fred’s representative Gilberto Silva has confirmed that the 25-year-old’s ambition whilst speaking on the Sky Sports Debate Show.
Fred was touted for a probable switch to Manchester City in the January winter transfer window, and Goal.com shortly after suggested that a deal had been agreed in principle with Shakhtar to pursue the midfielder during the summer.
However, the Citizens have since cooled their interest in the enforcer, and this has, in turn, coincided with Manchester United monitoring the midfielder, who is being eyed as a probable replacement for the retiring Michael Carrick, according to The Manchester Evening News.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Gilberto confirmed his compatriot’s desire to seal a Premier League switch, and revealed that a move could not materialise in January owing to Shakhtar’s reluctance to sanction a mid-season sale.
He said: “We had inquiries for him in the last transfer window, but it didn’t happen. The Premier League is his preferred destination. He’s doing so well. At Shakhtar, at the moment and in last transfer window, they relied too much on him.”
Fred has developed into a top-notch performer during his time in Ukraine, and his defensive contribution and passing ability has caught the eye of United boss Mourinho. Aside from this, the Brazilian is also a threat in the attack front as he is not shy from making goalscoring attempts from long-range.
United manager Mourinho has already confirmed that the club will place emphasis on bolstering other areas of the pitch than the forward department, and it appears that the midfield could be the main point of focus with the future of Marouane Fellaini in doubt, aside from Carrick’s retirement.
Fellaini has been in a contract standoff with the Red Devils since the start of the campaign, and it appears likely that he may leave the club on a free transfer. The Belgium international is said to want assurances of regular playing time, which appears improbable with the competition for places in the United ranks.
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