Jose Mourinho’s Manchester United are in pole position to sign £40million-rated Shakhtar midfielder Fred ahead of rivals Manchester City, quotes a report from Daily Star.

Manchester City have been tracking Fred’s progress since the previous transfer window but as the aforementioned source quotes, the major hindrance in United acquiring Fred is Unai Emery’s Paris Saint-Germain and not the Cityzens.

Soon after the conclusion of January transfer window, the Daily Mirror had claimed that Guardiola’s side have agreed to a £50m provisional deal for the midfielder but nothing was officially confirmed by either club.

A move to Etihad was thought to be on the cards in the January transfer window but as the Hirnyky were still in the Champions League, they seemed reluctant in losing their prized possession midway through the season. Guardiola’s interest in Fred was perfectly understandable given that the Brazilian was seen as a perfect long-term successor to Fernandinho, who also moved to City after a brilliant spell with Shakhtar.

But since nothing official has been made, it seems like Manchester United have gained the advantage. However, Paris Saint-Germain are an obstacle. But as things stand for the Cityzens, they are still searching for player to succeed Fernandinho but do not really see Fred as their priority signing.

Manchester United, on the other hand, would be determined to sign Fred or any defensive midfielder, to say the least. Michael Carrick will be hanging his boots by the end of the season and Mourinho had already confirmed that his side will be on a lookout for a midfielder over the summer.

Mourinho was earlier quoted by the Independent,

“We need to sign a midfield player. Because we are going to lose Michael Carrick. Of course, we need balance in the team. We are looking and we are going to try to sign a midfield player.”

However, in my opinion, a firm interest from PSG might very well force United to look elsewhere as it could turn out to be a bidding war if both United and the Les Parisiens start putting their money on the table.