Get the biggest United stories, analysis and transfer window updates delivered straight to your inbox Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Manchester United are finalising a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred while he is in the country with the Brazil national team.

The MEN understands United have not concluded their move for the 25-year-old but do not expect there to be any complications in the final round of negotiations.

It is believed United and Fred's representatives are discussing the final stages and are hopeful of signing the Brazilian for a fee lower than his €60million (£52.5m) release clause. Shakhtar had indicated they would not accept any less but United could negotiate a fee rising to £52.5m with achievable add-ons.

Fred is currently training in London with the Brazil squad, who have held their sessions at Tottenham's Spurs Lodge in Enfield, just 15 miles away from United's office in Mayfair. Brazil play Croatia in a World Cup warm-up at Anfield on Sunday but United could arrange for Fred's unveiling away from their Carrington training complex.

Jose Mourinho inked his United contract and posed for a presentation picture in their London office and the club arranged for Romelu Lukaku to undergo a medical in Los Angeles last year.

The MEN revealed a week ago United were close to reaching an agreement with the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder. Fred's agent Gilberto Silva flew to London last week and is believed to have held additional dialogue to escalate the transfer.

Fred confirmed at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro on Thursday his representatives had held 'advanced talks with United' after a January switch to Manchester City collapsed.

"There have been some advanced talks since January, when I almost went to Man City," Fred said. "Soon after City, United talked to Shakhtar and my agents. And today, if I'm not mistaken, there is very strong interest from United.

United were unprepared to bid for Fred in January amid a possible transfer to City but the Brazilian's representatives flew over to England on deadline day in the hope United would make an 11th hour bid. United stepped up their interest in Fred after City ended their interest and the MEN reported they were pushing to conclude a deal early in the transfer window.

Get all the latest Manchester United news first with our new app. Download it here now.