Report: United nearing €50M Fred deal; Milinkovic-Savic too expensive

Manchester United apparently hopes to complete a deal for Brazilian midfielder Fred in the coming days, but has been temporarily deterred from pursuing Sergej Milinkovic-Savic by Lazio's €100-million (£87.4-million) valuation.

The Premier League runner-up is in advanced talks over a €50-million (£43.7-million) switch for Shakhtar Donetsk's Fred, according to the Guardian's Fabrizio Romano and Ed Aarons, leaving previously interested rival Manchester City to search for another long-term replacement for Fernandinho.

Fred, who is travelling with Brazil for next month's World Cup, caught the eye in the Champions League with his match-winning free-kick against Roma in the first leg of their round-of-16 tussle. The 25-year-old made his name as a defensive midfielder but can also cover at left-back, a position regularly manned at United by 32-year-old converted winger Ashley Young in the 2017-18 term.

Michael Carrick's shift onto the coaching staff and Marouane Fellaini's reluctance in signing a new deal means Jose Mourinho may request another midfield acquisition this summer. Standing at 6-foot-3, Milinkovic-Savic looks like a typical Mourinho signing, and he was one of the best players this Serie A season.

Nevertheless, €100 million is proving too rich for United. The Serbian's agent, compatriot and former Chelsea forward Mateja Kezman, claims there is "enormous interest" in his client.

Another midfielder reportedly monitored by United is Nice's Jean Michael Seri, who has been eyed by Arsenal, Chelsea, and City in the past. It's understood the latter of that trio is still locked in negotiations with Napoli over signing Jorginho, thereby lessening the appeal of Seri.