Manchester United in advanced talks with Brazilian midfielder

Manchester United are reportedly in advanced negotiations for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred and a transfer could be finalised by the end of next week.

The Brazil international is due to represent his country in an international friendly against Croatia at Anfield next weekend and United are aiming to take advantage of his situation to sort out an agreement, M.E.N reports.

Fred has previously suggested that his future would only be resolved after the World Cup but United are desperate to finalise an agreement in advance with Paris Saint-Germain also in the hunt for the Brazilian.

Nevertheless, they will have to trigger the £53m release clause present on the midfielder's contract and Shakhtar are expected to reject any sum less than that figure.

Fred was previously a transfer target for Manchester City in January but they appear to have since moved on for other options. Napoli's Jorginho has been earmarked as the priority target for the Premier League holders this summer.