Jose Mourinho wants Brazilian star as Michael Carrick replacement

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly eyeing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred with Michael Carrick expected to retire at the end of the season.

The former England international has already announced his decision to step up his boots in the summer and this has increased the urgency for a replacement with Marouane Fellaini also nearing a probable exit.

According to The Express, Mourinho has asked the club's hierarchy to look into a deal for Fred, who has been in good form for Shakhtar during the current campaign.

Fred's advisor Gilberto Silva has already hinted about the interest from the Premier League and a fee of around £50m is deemed to be sufficient to push through a deal this summer.

Manchester United are currently primed to finish second in the league standings and they will be keen to continue on their two-match winning run when Arsenal make the Old Trafford visit on Sunday.