Manchester United are ready to rival Manchester City again in the transfer market, this time for Brazilian midfielder Fred.

The Shakthar Dontesk ace had been linked up by City as a possible reinforcement for this month, but the Ukrainian giants are standing firm on a valuation of £50million.

Shkathar are in no rush to sell, and although City want him this window – they are ready to accept that he does not move now, but they are continuing talks with a view to landing him on a pre-contract ahead of the summer.

However, United are still interested in landing Fred – and they were actually on Fred’s trail before City as they looked at him last summer.

Sources close to United believe they remain interested and with City trying to broker a deal now – it can’t be ruled out that a rival bid from Old Trafford will be made.

Bookmakers feel if Fred does move this month, then it will be City with BetVictor pricing them at Evens, with United at 8/1.