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Man Utd transfer news: Sky Sports reporter reveals when deal will be done
MANCHESTER UNITED are desperate to complete a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred before the World Cup begins, claims Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.
Manchester United club official follows Fred on Instagram
Fred is reportedly close to completing a move to Manchester United in a deal worth around £53million.
The 25-year-old is in Brazil’s squad for the World Cup in Russia, with their first game on June 17 against Switzerland.
Sheth believes Fred’s asking price could shoot up if he had a successful tournament.
So he thinks United will learn from the mistakes legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson made in the mid-90s following Euro 96.
Fred is £50m now. Say they win the World Cup, say he has an amazing World Cup, his price could go even higher
“We’re told talks are at an advanced stage,” Sheth said on the Transfer Talk podcast.
“A deal is close and United are hoping to clinch this deal before the World Cup starts.
“There are reports claiming Fred would cost in excess of £50m.
"£50m in today’s market for a Brazil international seems like a reasonable deal.
“I think what is key is they want to get it done before the World Cup.
“Manchester United looking historically, particularly at Euro 96, I remember Sir Alex Ferguson bought two or three players after Euro 96 because they performed really well - Jordi Cruyff and Karel Poborsky.
“And he said then he wouldn’t do that after a big tournament, because players are motivated to play even better and then their price will go up.
“Fred is £50m now. Say they win the World Cup, say he has an amazing World Cup, his price could go even higher.”