Manchester United expected to confirm Fred as first summer signing this week

Fred is set to double his wages in the Premier League while his early arrival will allow Uose Mourinho and Ed Woodward to focus on defensive reinforcements

Once formalities are concluded at Carrington, including a medical, Fred will become United's first signing of the summer (Getty)

Manchester United are expected to complete their first signing of the summer this week with Brazil international Fred scheduled at Carrington for final talks after playing a pre-World Cup friendly at Anfield on Sunday.

The Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder was in talks with Manchester City throughout January, with his all-action displays in the Champions League having caught the eye of both clubs in Cottonopolis over the past 18 months.

But with City switching targets to Napoli star Jorginho, United have a clear run at Fred to bring more energy to their midfield.

Michael Carrick’s retirement and Marouane Fellaini’s likely departure on a free transfer see Jose Mourinho short of two of his most trusted players in the centre of the park.

Fred, a box-to-box midfielder who was seen as a cheaper alternative to the in-demand Sergei Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio, is expected to double his wages in the Premier League while his early arrival will allow Mourinho and Ed Woodward to focus on defensive reinforcements, a priority for the Old Trafford club this summer.

United will pay Shakhtar a structured fee of around £52m for Fred, with north of £40m guaranteed.

Once formalities are concluded at Carrington, including a medical, Fred will become the first signing of the summer and the seventh Brazilian to play for Manchester United.