Man City, Man Utd to tussle for Brazilian midfielder

Manchester United and Manchester City are set to go head-to-head in the pursuit of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred at the end of the season.

Towards the end of 2017, Fred had impressed against City in the Champions League, and this had invited interest from Pep Guardiola's side during the winter transfer window.

However, a deal could not materialise with Shakhtar with the Ukrainian outfit reluctant to part ways with the enforcer midway through the campaign.

Since then, United are said to have joined the pursuit of the 25-year-old, and according to The Mirror, there could be a bidding battle between the cross-town rivals.

Fred signed a new contract with Shakhtar following the turn of the year, but this is highly unlikely to block his exit with the club willing to accept offers in excess of £40m.

United are on the search for replacements for the outgoing pair of Michael Carrick and Marouane Fellaini whilst City are looking into a long-term successor to Fernandinho.