Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred to snub Manchester United interest and seal £50m transfer to Manchester City

Manchester City are reportedly set to win the race to land Brazil international midfielder Frederico Rodrigues Santos, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League leaders, who face Leicester City on Saturday (17:30) at the Etihad Stadium, have been strongly linked with signing the Shakhtar Donetsk star this summer, who is better know as ‘Fred’.

The 24-year-old, who has six international caps for his country, has scored two goals and provided four assists in 24 appearances in all competitions for the Ukraine outfit so far this season.

Fred, who joined Shakhtar back in June 2013 following his reported €15m switch from Internacional, has netted 13 goals in 142 games overall for the club.

Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred.

Both Manchester City and Manchester United have been linked with the Samba star’s services this summer, but former Shakhtar coach Mircea Lucescu claims the player has already chosen to join Pep Guardiola’s Citizens.

He said, “Shakhtar Donetsk’s best player is Fred in the centre of midfield.

“He was a bit anarchic on the left. I moved him in front of the defence.

“He will go to City like Fernandinho before him.”

Fred is expected to cost around £50m.

Written by Dan Church Follow @DJChurch94