FRED THE RED SOON?
Manchester United have reportedly moved closer to completing the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk’s Fred. Duncan Castles revealed that the club has proposed contractual terms to the player. Another report suggests that United have spoken to the player who confirmed his interest in joining the Red Devils and that the club is on the verge of paying up Fred’s release clause on the basis of this wish. United will open negotiations with the Ukrainian team soon but will complete the deal only after the World Cup where Fred is expected to play after being called up to the Brazil squad.
The player also revealed that he may be on the move this summer but stopped short of naming clubs and conceded that any deal would have to wait until the end of Brazil’s involvement in Russia. Fred was quoted as saying,” I made it clear to the club that I was very happy here but I want to make a bigger leap in my career. There are other clubs interested in England and France. I want to make a bigger leap in my career. There are other clubs interested in England and France. I want to make a bigger leap. I made it clear to the club.”
RAIDING NORTH LONDON
Tabloids in England suggested that United are confident of completing the transfer of Tottenham Hotspur’s Toby Alderweireld this summer for a fee in excess of 40m. The move for the Belgian will see Spurs sign Ajax’s De Ligt as a replacement in a deal that has is being spoken off as a win-win for both parties. With Alderweirld’s intent to reject a new deal at Spurs given the strict pay structure at the club, the player is available for a cut-price fee of 25m next summer. The North London side are desperate to avoid losing a player of Alderweirld’s calibre for the ‘low’ fee.
RIGHT BACK LINEUP
United have inquired about the services of Napoli’s right back Elseid Hysaj. There were suggestions that United are ready to pay the release clause of 44m to acquire the services of the Albanian. The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the best right backs in Europe and had a superb campaign this season and is on the radar of the top clubs in Europe. PSG is another interested party and is said to be favourites to sign the Napoli star. However, any deal would have to involve the sale of Meunier. The Belgian’s love for United as a fan is well known and United have been linked with the player in the past. Meunier would be available for a fee similar to that of Hysaj.
LUKAKU RETURNS
Romelu Lukaku remains on track to start against Chelsea in the FA Cup Final after returning to training yesterday (Tuesday). The club top scorer was pictured been chauffeured to Carrington and more clarity on his availability is expected to be known after Mourinho’s press conference ahead of the Final.
