Vickery: Fred's proposed transfer to Manchester United is surprising

Fred's proposed transfer to Manchester United rather than Manchester City has "surprised" Brazilian football expert Tim Vickery.

Sky sources understand a deal between Fred and United is close with the pair in advanced talks, despite City having been strongly-linked to the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder in January.

Fred, 25, has made over 100 appearances for the Ukrainian champions since moving from Internacional in 2013 and is considered to be one of Brazil's top midfielders.

"I enjoyed watching him on the way up at Internacional," Vickery told Sky Sports News. "He's a busy little left-footed midfielder. Very dynamic, and he's got some quality. He's developing as well.

"I could understand City's interest. When they played Shakhtar in the Champions League, Pep Guardiola was very impressed with him.

"You could see Fred fitting into a dynamic Man City midfield. He's almost like a smaller left-footed version of Fernandinho.

"To my surprise, it seems City have dropped aside and United have come in there.

"I know that Fred is very excited about the prospect of playing for a top club in the Premier League."

Fred has been included in Brazil's 23-man squad for the World Cup in Russia, but Vickery does not think he will have much game time.

"I don't think he'll get many opportunities in the World Cup unless there are injuries.

"He was one of the last players to get into the squad. You may not see too much of him."

Brazil's World Cup campaign gets underway against Switzerland on June 17 and will face Costa Rica and Serbia in their other Group E fixtures.

Credit: Skysports.com