Brazil midfielder clear to become Mourinho’s first summer signing

Manchester United are expected to confirm the signing of Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk next week, if reports in the local press are accurate.

The Brazilian has been linked with a move to Old Trafford for some time, having regularly impressed in Ukraine, where the 25-year-old proved a pivotal figure in central midfield as Shakhtar won the league and cup double in 2017/18.

Manchester Evening News report that the deal to sign him is all-but complete following talks and he could be unveiled as Jose Mourinho’s first signing of the summer as early as next week.

Fred is currently in England with the Brazilian national squad, as they prepare for the World Cup in Russia.

The midfielder has a £53million buyout clause in his contract and has opted for a move to Old Trafford ahead of rival interest from Manchester City, who have turned their attentions to Napoli star Jorginho instead.

Mourinho sees Fred as an ideal replacement for Marouane Fellaini, who looks set to quit Old Trafford this summer and has been given a 48-hour deadline to determine his future.

The United boss, however, is still seeking a replacement for Michael Carrick, who retired at the end of the season after 12 seasons with the club, and still hopes to launch a bid for No 1 target, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who is rated in the €100million bracket.

Mourinho is reportedly set for urgent transfer talks with United amid concerns he could fail to land Milinkovic-Savic, and another of his major summer targets.