Manchester United could complete £53m deal to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred as early as next weekend

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on making Brazil international star Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos their first summer signing, according to Manchester Evening News.

The Premier League side, who were defeated 1-0 in the FA Cup final against Chelsea last weekend, have been continuously linked with a move for the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.

The 25-year-old, who is better known simply as ‘Fred’, scored four goals and provided seven assists in 37 appearances in all competitions for the Ukrainian outfit this season.

Fred, who has seven international caps for his country and is included in Brazil’s 23-man World Cup squad for this summer’s finals in Russia, has netted 15 goals in 155 games overall for Shakhtar since arriving from Internacional back in 2013.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred.

The report claims United expect to complete a deal to bring the Samba star to Old Trafford at the start of next month, as the central midfielder travels to Europe next week for Brazil’s international friendly against Croatia at Anfield (June 3).

It is understood the player could travel to The Red Devils’ Carrington training complex to undergo a medical during his brief trip to England.

Fred has a €60m (approximately £53m) release clause in his Shakhtar contract, which runs until June 2023.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94