Manchester United are “close” to making their first signing of the summer

It looks set to be a busy summer at Old Trafford.

Manchester United have been linked with big money moves for several players, and current members of Jose Mourinho's squad are expected to depart. It also appears they are trying to get their transfer business wrapped up early in the window. According to The Manchester Evening News, United are "close" to completing a transfer for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred. Fred has been named in Brazil's World Cup squad and will in England next week for a friendly against Croatia at Anfield. The report claims he is expected to undergo a medical at United during his stay in the country and will then finalise his transfer. The 25-year-old reportedly has a £52m release clause in his contract and United look set to pay it as they seek to increase their options in midfield. Michael Carrick has retired and Marouane Fellaini may not sign a new contract, leaving Mourinho short of players in the middle of the park. Fred joined Shakhtar from Internacional in 2013 and has played 110 times for the Ukrainian side, scoring 10 goals. He was linked with a January move to Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola appears to have turned his attention to signing Jorginho from Napoli instead. According to reports earlier this week, Fred is one of four or five players have targeted for this summer's transfer window. The others are Toby Alderweireld from Tottenham, Celtic full-back Kieran Tierney or Alex Sandro from Juventus. Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Willian from Chelsea are also understood to be on Mourinho's transfer shortlist.