Manchester City are looking to bolster their midfield, and manager Pep Guardiola has already identified a target to sign during the current January transfer window.
According to a report from Manchester Evening News, it is believed that Pep is keen to sign Shakhtar Donetsk’s midfielder Fred, and that City are willing to submit a big as high as £45 million for the Brazilian starlet who has impressed with his play in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Shakhtar are holding out for a higher transfer fee, but it is unclear how much will they hold on considering Fred will likely want to see this switch completed if the chances arises. For what is worth, Guardiola is determine to recruit the Brazilian since he believes he could be Fred’s long-term replacement.
At 24, Fred is already eight years younger than City’s captain, and they share similarities. They both played at Shakhtar, they’re both defensive midfielder with a quality touch, and they are both tough as nails when it comes to tackling and defending possession.
City are not alone on the race to acquire Fred, however, as Manchester United are also keeping close tabs in the Brazilian since they see him as the ideal substitute for Michael Carrick. But The Citizens are far ahead on the race to land the 24-year-old.
Fred would be ineligible to play in the Champions League this season if he joins either City or United, however, as he already featured for Shakhtar Donetsk during the group stage.