£52m flop nears Man Utd exit door but he could return

Joe Williams

Galatasaray have reportedly held ‘positive talks’ with Manchester United midfielder Fred as the Premier League side look to offload him.

The 26-year-old was a big disappointment for United last season as Solskjaer’s men stumbled in sixth in the Premier League.

Fred, who could be like a new signing for United this season, failed to live up to his £52million price tag after arriving from Shakhtar Donetsk – but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is a believed to be a fan and is hoping that the central midfielder will get better after 20 starts in all competitions last season.

There have been suggestions that Roma coach Paulo Fonseca wants to be reunited with Fred after managing him while in charge at Shakhtar, but recent reports claim that Solskjaer is willing to give him a chance.

However, Turkish outlet Fotomac (via Sport Witness) are now claiming that the Brazilian is closing in on a move to Galatasaray after holding positive discussions with them.

United are apparently happy to send Fred out on loan for 2019-20 with the potential for him to re-enter the fold next year should he rediscover his best form elsewhere.

The Red Devils continue to be strongly linked with a move for Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff, meaning Solskjaer may already have someone else in mind to help anchor the midfield.