Manchester City will add two more Brazilians to their squad this summer, according to a Daily Mail report.
The soon-to-be-crowned Premier League champions are set for a £80m raid on Brazil’s Serie A and Ukrainian Premier League with defender Eder Militao and Fred the targets.
Sao Paulo centre-back Militao, 20, represents the trickier target of the two. Uncapped at senior international level, Pep Guardiola’s backroom staff face a tough task convincing the Home Office panel that Sertãozinho-born player qualifies for a work permit as an exceptional talent.
The mid-table Serie A side are understood to be willing to accept an offer in the region of £20m for the versatile Militao, who doubles up as a defensive midfielder.
City face competition from FC Porto among others for the talented Miliato.
Meanwhile, City are extensively scouting Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder maestro Fred, 24. Neighbours Manchester United are also keen on the player who conducted the game when City were defeated 2 – 1 in the Champions League group stage by Shakhtar.
Shakhtar’s £50m price tag won’t frighten off either club, particularly since the midfielder made it clear he is keen to move to England this summer.
While the prime focus is Militao and Fred – who is seen as the heir to Fernandinho’s crucial role in the City line-up – speculation is rife that City will return for Riyad Mahrez, 27, with a £60m bid winging its’ way to Leicester City HQ.
