Manchester United target Fred to decide on future after World Cup

Manchester United have been served a blow in their pursuit of Fred after the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder hinted he will decide on his future after the World Cup this summer.

Jose Mourinho’s side are in advanced talks with Shakhtar in a bid to get a deal for £50m-rated midfielder over the line before the World Cup starts on June 14.

The Premier League giants have earmarked Fred as a top transfer target but the 25-year-old has broken his silence and suggested he wants to concentrate on the World Cup with Brazil.

“There have been some advanced talks since January, when I almost went to Man City,” the Manchester Evening News quote Fred as saying at a press conference in Brazil.

“Soon after City, United talked to Shakhtar and my agents. And today, if I’m not mistaken, there is very strong interest from United.

“My head is in the World Cup. My agents are taking care of it. I try to do my work in the field and leave the extra field for Gilberto Silva. My staff are looking at what is best for me. Who knows after the World Cup I can make the best choice for me.”

Manchester City pulled the plug on a deal for Fred in January and Pep Guardiola has now cooled his interest in the Brazil international, instead turning to Napoli ace Jorginho.

City’s decision to focus on Jorginho has given United a clear run at signing Fred and they will still hope to sign the midfielder prior to the start of the World Cup.

Of players that have attempted at least 25 dribbles in the Champions League this season, Fred has the best success rate (88.5%).