Manchester United Transfer News: Red Devils to Battle for Fred in Latest Rumours

Local rivals Manchester United and Manchester City are reportedly ready to battle for the signing of Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.

According to the Paul Hetherington of the Daily Star Sunday, having fought for Alexis Sanchez already in this transfer window, the two Premier League giants are ready to lock horns again.

Hetherington reported Shakhtar value the midfielder at £50 million and that while City were initially considering a summer move for the player, they will try to get the deal done midseason to strengthen their efforts to claim silverware on four fronts.

"Tottenham were also eyeing the situation, when the fee was believed to be £30 million for a man who has played six times for the Brazil national team," noted Hetherington, who also reported Arsenal have previously shown an interest in the Brazilian. "But it now seems to have come down to a straight fight between the two title-contesting Mancunian heavyweights."

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City boss Pep Guardiola is said to be keen to bolster his side's spine, with a £57 million deal for Athletic Bilbao defender Aymeric Laporte reported to be nearing completion.

Fred once told La Gazzetta dello Sport he would love to link up with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager at the Etihad Stadium (h/t Goal UK):

Guardiola reportedly views Fred as an ideal successor to Fernandinho at the base of the Premier League leaders' midfield.

Despite being 32, Fernandinho has been a regular for City this season in a position that requires a lot of energy to be exerted. The Brazil international covers a lot of ground, is always seeking to get on the ball and regularly engages in physical battles.

He's been a little underrated this season. Sam Lee of Goal believes it's smart for the Etihad Stadium outfit to think of a succession plan in this portion of the pitch:

Fred would be an intriguing addition for United too. In the main, they have impressed in the middle of the park this term, with Paul Pogba and Nemanja Matic forging a brilliant partnership since the latter's summer arrival.

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The Brazilian would definitely bring something different. Fred is comfortable sitting deep, taking the ball off centre-backs and getting attacks going. In theory, he would be able to operate alongside Matic and thus allow Pogba to influence matters further up the field.

As WhoScored.com illustrated, Fred is also comfortable carrying the ball himself:

United have Ander Herrera and Marouane Fellaini also competing for spots in midfield, while Scott McTominay is also on the fringes of the first team. Therefore, perhaps the Red Devils won't be in a major hurry to get this transfer over the line in January.

City might be, though, Fred's arrival would give Guardiola a lot more flexibility in the weeks to come. If they are to win the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup this season, that will be vital.