Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has reportedly been given the go-ahead to wrap up a £53m deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.
United have been heavily linked with the Brazil international since January and emerged as favourites for his signature after local rivals and Premier League champions Manchester City pulled out of the race earlier this year.
Fred has suggested that he will not make a decision on his future until after the World Cup, which was thought to be a stumbling block for United, who want to get their business done early in this summer's transfer window.
However, the 25-year-old's agent Gilberto Silva - who formerly played for United's Premier League rivals Arsenal - travelled to England this week to discuss terms over a move.
United are now the clear favourites to land Fred's signature, although free-spending French champions Paris Saint-Germain are also thought to be interested.
United boss Mourinho is in the market for midfield reinforcements this summer following the retirement of Michael Carrick and uncertain future of Marouane Fellaini.
Barney Corkhill
