Italian club Lazio have become the latest club to enter the fray for Brazilian midfielder, Fred. The 30-year-old has been strongly linked to Galatasaray but it seems the Italian giants are keen on the Brazilian international.
According to a report from Italian outlet, La Lazio Siamo Noi, an ‘incoming offer’ is on its way to United from the Serie A side for the player.
It’s explained that the interest came after the midfielder was ‘offered’ to the Italians, and so happens to be one Maurizio Sarri would ‘welcome with open arms’ in Rome.
Fred is open to new challenge
United have also, reportedly, given the green light for the midfielder to make the move should he so wish and, according to the same report, the midfielder is open to trying a new challenge this summer.
The midfielder joined the club for a fee in the region of £52 million according to The Guardian and has been a popular figure amongst the United faithful, despite his performances at times causing frustration at Old Trafford.
‘Attracted about the idea’
According to the same report from Italy, the Brazilian is open to the idea of making the move to the Serie A, and with Lazio having qualified for the UEFA Champions League, Fred wouldn’t be missing out on playing in Europe’s most coveted club competition.
What may well scupper this deal from happening is the amount United want and the amount the Italian side are willing to pay. United, according to The Telegraph, reportedly value Fred at £20 million, which is a price Lazio are not willing to match.
The report says they will attempt to heavily incentivise the deal with achievable add-ons and the Italian side hope to be able to soften United’s stance on the fee.
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Despite this, the club’s president Claudio Lotito has stressed that they aren’t interested in the midfielder. This could open the door for Galatasaray to sign the midfielder, as they have been heavily linked with the Brazilian this summer.
Whether this is a ploy from the Italian side remains to be seen but for now, despite the report, Fred doesn’t seem of interest to Lazio.
It seems that Fred’s time in Manchester is up and it has been a bizarre few years but one that United fans will no doubt look back on with fond memories.