Www.independent.ie United eye Alderweireld after sealing deal for £52m Fred

THE English summer transfer window has sparked into life after Manchester United confirmed the £52 million arrival of midfielder Fred from Shakhtar Donetesk and then turned their attention to the potential capture of Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Toby Alderweireld.

Alderweireld has admitted while on international duty with Belgium that he has an idea as to where he wants to play his football next season and United are in the hunt to sign him.

But the 29-year-old, who has two years left on his contract at White Hart Lane and is valued at around £55m, admitted Spurs could prevent him from leaving.

Alderweireld lost his place in the Tottenham side last season amid speculation that he wanted to leave the club, but finished the season back in favour under Mauricio Pochettino

“I have another two years (on my) contract,” he told de Zondag. “Tottenham decides about my future. Of course, I have my own idea. But that is not the case now. The past season was tough. But I’m glad that I could play the last four matches. That means that I am ready for the World Cup.”

United have tried to move quickly this summer and the arrival of Brazil international Fred will please manager Jose Mourinho, with Porto full-back Diogo Dalot expected to join him at Old Trafford before the end of the week.

The club announced the completion of Fred’s transfer in a brief statement, although they are still waiting for international clearance.

“Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred). A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Former Brazil star Rivaldo has labelled Fred a wonderful player and backed him to succeed at Old Trafford, albeit after a little time.

“He is a wonderful player,” the World Cup winner said. “Like any other player when you move to a new country, he will need a little bit of time to adapt.

“But when you are a good player and a brilliant midfielder like he is, he is going to do well and he is going to be good for Manchester United and they will be good for him.”

Fred moved to Donetsk in 2013 and was a part of three league-winning sides. He faced United in the Champions League at Old Trafford during David Moyes’ reign, and also played against Manchester City in last season’s competition as Shakhtar reached the last 16.