Manchester United believe they have won the race for Fred - with the Brazilian midfielder likely to undergo a medical next week.

The 25-year-old has been in talks with the Old Trafford club after a January move to rivals City collapsed.

And it is understood Jose Mourinho feels he has now got his man from Shakhtar Donetsk, for an initial fee of around £43m plus add-ons which would take it to £52.2m.

Manchester United looked to have won the race to sign Brazil midfielder Fred

The development comes as City continue their efforts to land their alternative, Napoli's Jorginho.

Sportsmail can disclose that a fee of around £55m has been agreed although the fact that the Italian club have appointed Carlo Ancelotti has caused a minor delay.

The incoming manager wants to review his squad, although his arrival is unlikely to scupper the move.

Fred is due in England this weekend for Brazil's pre-World Cup fixture with Croatia at Anfield.

Mourinho has previously spoken of his desire to bring a Brazilian to Old Trafford, telling ESPN Brazil in April: 'I think a team without a Brazilian isn't a team.' He later added: 'Who knows, we can have a Brazilian in the squad next year.'

United boss Jose Mourinho is looking to sign Fred for £52.2million this summer