Could a bidding war be on the cards?
Manchester City could be set to miss out on their top summer transfer target, Fred, as he admits he would be happy with a move to Manchester United.
The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder has been very open when discussing the possibility of him moving to Man City after they made an approach in January. Asked about the interest from City, Fred told ESPN
Brasil: “It existed, yes, and it still exists. There was a process now in the winter window, and they even made a proposal for Shakhtar, but it didn’t happen because of the Champions (League), since I could not play for another team. But there was, yes (an offer).”
He may well end up at City in the summer, but he has made no commitments and is still flirting with other clubs, one of whom is Man United. Fred seems set on a move to the Premier League, but doesn't appear to be fussed on which of the team he joins.
"I would be happy to play there… or at Manchester United as well, at Chelsea, Arsenal, clubs of great tradition in Europe and England. It is the best league in the world, I have no doubt, and I believe that my football would evolve."
In a new development, Shakhtar have confirmed that Fred could move to United instead of City, as the club's CEO, Sergei Palkin, explained to Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday: “Fred isn’t already at Manchester City, but he will surely leave in June. If not to City, then Manchester United. He’s ready for the next stage, because as well as being good, he’s also very professional. If he asked us to stay another year, we’d let him.”
The two Manchester clubs could find themselves in another tug of war over Fred, and United's more pressing need for a midfielder and willingness to spend may seem them come out on top, but anything could happen.
