MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to sign Fred before the World Cup, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho hinted he wants to sign a Brazilian and has been chasing the Shakhtar Donetsk playmaker.
Fred, 25, is heading to Europe next week as Brazil face Croatia at Anfield in a warm-up for this summer’s tournament.
And the Manchester Evening News claims United believe they will be able to finalise a move for the seven-cap ace then.
Shakhtar reportedly slapped a £52million release clause into the central midfielder’s contract.
But Old Trafford chiefs are prepared to shell out as Mourinho aims to replace Michael Carrick.
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Fred’s agent – former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva – met his client in Brazil last week and will now try to close the deal.
Alex Sandro and Willian are also on United’s radar, with added flair a priority this summer.
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Manchester City were interested in Fred – a shock inclusion in the Brazil squad – but have switched their attentions to Napoli star Jorginho.
Brazil face Croatia on June 3 and take on Austria a week later in their final friendly.
Tite’s side are up against Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia in their group.
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