Manchester United are close to making Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred their first transfer arrival of the summer, according to the Manchester Evening News.

What's the story, then?

The report says that United are keen to do the deal for the Brazilian before the World Cup in Russia kicks off on June 14 and that he could have a medical as early as next week.

It goes on to say that the release clause in his contract of 60 million euros has not proved an issue in negotiations as Jose Mourinho made plain his desire to bring the player in to replace Michael Carrick in midfield.

It also says that Fred himself is keen to get the deal over the line before the big kick-off in Russia and that he is so keen on a move to United that he flew to Manchester on deadline day on the off-chance of finalising a move to Old Trafford.

Fred is an unknown quantity

The midfielder is highly-rated and it would appear that Mourinho thinks he is the man who can add dynamism and quality to his engine room but it remains to be seen how he adapts to English football.

United will be hoping he is another Fernandinho, whose energy meant he took to life in Manchester right away but the fact remains that it is a risk to sign someone unproven in this country.

[ad_pod ]