Manchester United set to hijack Manchester City’s main transfer target

Posted Sunday, April 15, 2018 by Express.co.uk

Manchester United set to hijack Manchester City’s main transfer target
Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola are set to go head to head this summer.

MANCHESTER UNITED could hijack Manchester City’s move for Brazilian midfielder Fred.

Pep Guardiola came close to signing the 25-year-old in January and a £40 million deal was set up.

But it has not been finalised and Shakhtar Donetsk hope United, who are also interested, will outbid their neighbours with a £60 million offer.

United boss Jose Mourinho is looking for a replacement for the retiring captain Michael Carrick, while he could need a second midfielder if Marouane Fellaini leaves on a free transfer.

City have long targeted another holding midfielder, with Yaya Toure set to be released and Fernandinho turning 33 next month.

Manchester United set to hijack Manchester City’s main transfer target
Fred has been subject to transfer speculation for several seasons.

Shakhtar are resigned to Fred’s departure and the Brazil international has said he would happily sign for either Manchester club.

United have already snatched one transfer target from under City’s noses this year with their surprise January swoop for Alexis Sanchez.

Mourinho has vowed to strengthen his squad to try and mount a title challenge next season – but reckons City could spend so much it is impossible for anyone to catch them.

He said: “Next season we are going to try and improve but let’s see what happens. Maybe also Manchester City will invest heavily and they don’t let the others close the gap to them.”