Manchester City have cooled their interest in Fred, the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, who could join Manchester United instead.

City had identified Fred, the 25-year-old Brazilian, as their primary long-term candidate to replace Fernandinho, the defensive midfielder who turns 33 in May.

A delegation from Shakhtar met with City officials earlier this season in the hope of agreeing a transfer for the player, who was valued at about £40 million, but the two sides could not come to an agreement and sources say it is unlikely the midfielder will now move to the Etihad Stadium.

City, who originally wanted Fred to join them in January, are now expected to turn their attentions to other targets, including Julian Weigl, the 22-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder.

United have