Wednesday 17 January 2018 15:49, UK
Manchester City are interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred, according to Sky sources.
City are understood to be looking at the 24-year-old Brazilian as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, who turns 33 this year.
Having ended their interest in Alexis Sanchez, City now have more money to spend and could turn their attention to signing Fred in the January transfer window.
Sky Sports News understand that City may consider loaning Fred back to the Ukrainian side until the end of the season.
Pep Guardiola has used Fernandinho 34 times in all competitions already this season, starting the defensive midfielder in 22 of their 23 Premier League matches, and may be looking to Fred bolster their midfield options.
Sky Sports News reported in December that City were keen on Lorient defensive midfielder Matteo Guendouzi and were joined by Tottenham in closely monitoring the 18-year-old.
Yaya Toure has been a peripheral figure for City this season, making just five Premier League appearances, while Ilkay Gundogan has had persistent injury worries.
