Done Deal: Man Utd Confirm Agreement To Sign South American Star In £52m Deal

The summer transfer window is now open and managers are working hard on their transfer targets so we’ll bring you all the latest gossip from around the globe. Today, Man Utd have agreed a deal to sign Fred….

Manchester United have confirmed on ManUtd.com they’ve agreed a deal with Shakhtar Donetsk to sign midfielder Fred this summer.

Jose Mourinho is in the market for at least one new midfielder as Michael Carrick has moved into a coaching role following his retirement while Marouane Fellaini is set to leave when his contract expires later this month.

Fred has emerged as a prime target in recent weeks and the Daily Mail claimed on Monday that the Brazilian international was at United’s Carrington training base undergoing his medical.

Fred played for Brazil during their 2-0 friendly victory over Croatia at Anfield on Sunday afternoon so it seems United took advantage of him being in the north-west of England as he was able to make the short trip to Manchester to have his medical tests.

The newspaper says United have agreed a deal worth around £52m including various performance-based add ons and Fred was all-set to be unveiled as their first major signing of the summer.

It appears those reports are accurate as United have now released a statement on ManUtd.com confirming an agreement has been reached with Shakhtar for the signature of Fred.

The short statement read:

Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Shakhtar Donetsk for the transfer of Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos (Fred).

A further announcement will be made in due course.

Fred is now expected to complete the formalities of the move and become a United player before heading off to Russia for the World Cup where he’s due to play a key role for Brazil in their group games against Switzerland, Costa Rica and Serbia.

The 25-year-old has been in excellent form for Shakhtar since joining the club from Internacional five years ago so I’m sure the South American will prove to be a superb addition to United’s squad.

MORE: Man Utd eyeing £102m triple swoop

Fred could form a formidable partnership alongside Nemanja Matic in midfield next season which would give Paul Pogba more freedom to express himself further forward so we might see more from the Frenchman next campaign.