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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to La Nazione (via Calcio Mercato), Fiorentina are lining up a summer swoop for Manchester United midfielder Fred.

What's the word?

The Brazil international has yet to feature under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this season, and has struggled to establish himself in the Red Devils' first-team since his big-money move from Shakhtar Donetsk last summer.

Now, the report claims Fiorentina are contemplating make a move for the 26-year-old and the Italian side value the midfielder at €30m (£27.2m).

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It adds that whilst the Viola have made an enquiry about his securing his services, it is still yet unclear whether United would be willing to let him go following the departure of Ander Herrera earlier in the summer transfer window.

Lack of depth

Surely United can't afford to lose another player without having the opportunity to replace them? Even with Fred only being on the fringes of the squad at the moment, he still represents a proven option from his time in Ukraine. The Red Devils signed no midfielders in the summer window but have seen the likes of Herrera and Marouane Fellaini leave this calendar year.

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To kick the season off, Solskjaer has had to make do with a midfield two of Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, and the options to replace the duo in case of injury or loss of form are incredibly limited, with Nemanja Matic the only other senior option in the middle of the park.

United could really struggle if injuries begin to take their toll over the course of the season, and so really need every one of their current squad to do their bit. Letting Fred leave would be tantamount to a massive oversight on the Red Devils' part.

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