Fred takes a step closer to £52m United switch

BRAZILIAN Fred is aware of a ‘strong bid’ from Manchester United as he edges closer to a £52.5million move to Old Trafford. The 25-year-old Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder confirmed that advanced negotiations have taken place since a transfer to Manchester City fell through in January. City have since focused on Napoli’s Jorginho but United expect to sign Fred before the World Cup. Fred’s agent Gilberto Silva, the former Arsenal midfielder, is leading talks with United over a deal worth £43m plus add-ons. Fred is due in England this weekend with Brazil for a friendly against Croatia at Anfield a week tomorrow and is on stand-by to have a medical. ‘Talks have been at an advanced stage since January,’ Fred said. ‘There was a possible transfer to City. Shortly after, both City and United talked with Shakhtar and with my agents. ‘There was news of a strong United bid. It’s an honour to be on the radar of great European coaches Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho.’