Fred is closing in on a move away from Premier League giants Manchester United with Galatasaray’s vice-president reportedly jetting in on Wednesday night for talks.
While the rest of Erik ten Hag’s team were going head to head with Real Madrid in Houston, one of Manchester United’s longest-serving players was back home in England, one foot out of the door as his five-year spell at Old Trafford edges ever closer to a conclusion.
According to the Express, Galatasaray’s vice-president Erden Timur touched down at Leeds Bradford Airport last night. Timur will hold face-to-face talks with the United bosses as the Turkish champions look to secure the services of Fred, Gala’s number one midfield target.
Manchester United ready to sell Fred this summer
Galatasaray, Fanatik say, have made two bids already. The second standing at £7 million.
That remains well short of Manchester United’s £20 million asking price, however; Galatasaray hoping that a compromise can be reached. It remains to be seen if United are willing to drop their price. Or, indeed, by how much.
At the age of 30, and with just one year left on his Red Devils contract, you can see why the likes of Galatasaray and Fulham – who’s head coach Marco Silva was spotted in talks with Fred following May’s 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford – would be reluctant to break the £20 million barrier.
Reported interest from Saudi Arabia could still drive up Fred’s price. United have already sold Alex Telles to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr. And the left-back’s fellow Brazilian could yet become the latest high-profile player to pack his bags and head to the Middle East.
United, meanwhile, have reportedly agreed terms with Fred’s replacement too.
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Fred out and Sofyan Amrabat in
Alfredo Pedulla believes that Sofyan Amrabat – the Fiorentina enforcer who can combine Fred’s off-the-ball tenacity with far greater quality in possession – has agreed a £75,000-a-week deal at Old Trafford.
“Quite a few clubs are interested in Sofyan,” Amrabat’s agent told Voetbal Primeur earlier in the week; his client reportedly setting his heart on a reunion with former FC Utrecht coach Ten Hag in Manchester.
“It is now a matter of making the right choice. He is still just a Fiorentina player and he reported to Fiorentina on Monday.
“If something interesting comes up, Sofyan is open to the move. Fiorentina too. There are two, three clubs that he is open to.”