Manchester United close to signing Fred but a deal for fellow midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic goes stale

Mourinho wants as much of his signings done before the World Cup as possible

Manchester United are close to agreeing the signing of Fred of Shakhtar Donetsk, as the club hope to get much of Jose Mourinho’s transfer plans completed before the World Cup.

A deal for Lazio’s Sergej Milinković-Savić is looking increasingly unlikely, however, due to a series of complications. That will lead Mourinho to assess other midfield options, as the area is one of his priorities for this summer, especially if - as expected now - Marouane Fellaini leaves for AC Milan on a free transfer.

The deal for Fred is very close, with United set to agree a deal of just under £50m.

The club had been hopeful of adding Milinkovic-Savic, but Lazio are said to want a “ridiculous fee” - around £80m - amid a host of other technical and contractual complications.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld is another on Manchester United’s radar and Mourinho looks to add a central defender for the third consecutive summer, having brought in Victor Lindelof, who has disappointed, and Eric Bailly, who has lost his trust.

The Independent also reported Chelsea’s Willian, and one of either Celtic left-back Kieran Tierney or Juventus’ Alex Sandro are his other targets to bring up the competitiveness of the squad.