United aim to complete deals for Fred and Dalot this week

MANCHESTER UNITED are expected to complete the signings of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred and Porto full-back Diogo Dalot before the end of the week in an early summer boost for manager Jose Mourinho.

Fred has travelled to Manchester for a medical after playing in Brazil’s 2-0 friendly win over Croatia at Anfield and will become United’s first arrival in, what is likely to be, another busy transfer-window at Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old, who will cost around £52 million, joined Shakhtar from Brazilian side Internacional in 2013 and has attracted interest from clubs across Europe’s major leagues over the past few months following a series of impressive performances in the Champions League.

The speed of United’s pursuit, though, has been striking and they have capitalised on the fact that both the player and Brazil coach Tite want the transfer to go through before the World Cup starts in Russia next week.

Fred, who has mainly been used as a substitute by Brazil, is precisely the sort of all-round central midfielder Mourinho feels his side have lacked. The retirement of Michael Carrick has left a huge hole to fill in that department.

United midfielder Marouane Fellaini is also reported to be on his way out of Old Trafford, but despite speculation yesterday that Arsenal are aware of his availability they are not currently making him a priority. (© Daily Telegraph, London)