Manchester City nearing Fred deal with Pep Guardiola ready to pay Shakhtar Donetsk up to £35million for his signature

MANCHESTER CITY are reportedly closing in on a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk star Fred.

Gianluca Di Marzio claims Pep Guardiola will pay between £25million and £35m for the Brazilian midfielder.

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Fred, 24, is seen as a long-term replacement for veteran ace Fernandinho.

And although Shakhtar are reluctant to part ways, the player himself is keen on an Etihad switch.

City are looking for reinforcements before the window closes and had been hoping to land Alexis Sanchez from Arsenal.

However, a deal fell through for financial reasons, and the Chilean has now been confirmed as a Manchester United player.

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There’s some good news though, with Kevin De Bruyne penning a new contract extension, but City would still like to add another centre-back to their squad despite missing out on Virgil van Dijk.

Jonny Evans is believed to be Guardiola’s top choice, and West Brom could be willing to sell him.

ALAN SHEARER City think they took moral high ground with Sanchez but United got a bargain

The Northern Ireland international will be available for just £3m next summer if the Baggies are relegated.

And West Brom chiefs would prefer to cash in now to help boss Alan Pardew fund a move for a much-needed striker.

AFP

AFP