Jose will fight Pep for Fred
JOSE MOURINHO is ready to outbid Manchester City for Brazilian midfielder Fred.
The Manchester United boss snatched Alexis Sanchez from under the noses of his neighbours in January, and is ready to do the same for Shakhtar Donetsk’s £50million anchorman.
Mourinho’s determination to land the 25-year-old is further indication he does not believe Paul Pogba can play that role. Mourinho
wants a more disciplined holding player he can rely on.
His biggest frustration with Pogba has been the France star’s inconsistency.
Shakhtar are likely to sell to the highest bidder and Fred is looked after by former Arsenal midfielder Gilberto Silva, who has already confirmed the player’s wish to come to the Premier League.
It is understood that it is now a straight fight between City and United with Fred’s destination certain to be Manchester.
Blues boss Pep Guardiola tried to sign Fred in January and was hopeful of clinching a deal this summer, but United’s interest has driven the price up.
Mourinho signed Sanchez for £35m from Arsenal in January when Guardiola refused to shift from his £20m valuation of the forward.