Man Utd ‘eye’ surprise move for £33m Everton star as midfielder’s medical is booked

Manchester United are considering a surprise move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana with Fred set to depart Old Trafford for Fenerbahce.

A medical in Turkey for the Brazilian midfielder has been planned for Saturday with Erik ten Hag requiring reinforcements in the centre of the park.

The Daily Mail reports Onana is a possible option for United alongside Fiorentina's Sofyan Ambrabat, who is also being targeted by Juventus.

Onana joined the Toffees from Lille last summer for £33m, signing a five-year contract. West Ham had also shown a strong interest in the player. He played 33 times as Everton avoided relegation to the Championship on the final day of the season.

United have signed André Onana, Mason Mount and Rasmus Højlund so far this summer and with Fred’s pending departure the club are keen to bolster their midfield options.

A club statement on Friday night confirmed: “Manchester United can confirm an agreement in principle has been reached with Fenerbahce for the transfer of Fred.

“The Brazil international is set for a switch to the Turkish Super Lig, subject to a medical, agreeing personal terms and receiving international clearance to process the move. Our no.17 is scheduled to fly out to Istanbul on Saturday, in order to take his medical tests.”

Fred joined United from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk for a reported £52m in the summer of 2018 and has since made 213 appearances for the club. He netted 14 goals during his time at Old Trafford and last played during a friendly win over Lyon in Edinburgh early in pre-season. BBC Sport report a deal worth €15m has been agreed, with €10m up front with the other €5m in potential add-ons.

The midfielder made 56 appearances under Erik ten Hag last season scoring six goals as United won the Carabao Cup with victory over Newcastle United at Wembley and also finished third to secure a place in this season’s Champions League. He had been targeted by other clubs in Turkey this summer as well as United’s Premier League rivals Fulham.