Manchester City transfer news: Sky Blues eye £50m move for Shakhtar Donetsk star Fred
The Brazilian is being hailed as a long-term replacement to compatriot Fernandinho who turns 33-years-old this year
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Manchester City are reportedly bidding to sign Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.
The Etihad club have proposed a £50million deal to secure the signature of the Brazilian, 24, this month, according to the Mail.
City boss Pep Guardiola is looking to add a defensive midfielder to his ranks as back up to Fernandinho.
Fernandinho turns 33 this year and is close to signing a new deal, while Yaya Toure, 34, who has hardly featured this term is expected to leave after eight seasons at the club.
The reports claims the Russian club may be open to selling the player as they consider moving stadiums amid security fears.
Fred is a defensive midfielder who impressed against City this season and has drawn attention from United, Chelsea and Arsenal.
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Guardiola was impressed with the Brazil international's performance when City played Shakhtar, and Fred admits he would love to play under the Catalan coach.
He told Gazetta dello Sport: “A friend gave me the news saying that City and Guardiola were interested in me.
“At the exit of the locker room, he (Guardiola) stopped me and said we had a good game.
"However, I confess, I wait impatiently for his call to arrive now. I think I would grow a lot with him.
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“England is the best league in the world and I’ve always dreamed of playing there.”
Fred’s career has not been without controversy.
He tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide while playing for Brazil at the Copa America in 2015.
