Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred is attracting plenty of plaudits following his performance in the 2-1 win over Roma in the Champions League on Wednesday.
The Brazilian netted a stunning free-kick and dictated the tempo of the match as Shakhtar took the advantage in the two-legged tie, and it is not hard to see just why Manchester City are chasing his signature.
Pep Guardiola is understood to be a huge admirer of Fred and his talents, with the midfielder high up on his wish list for the summer.
City locked horns with Shakhtar on two occasions earlier on in the season in the Champions League group stages. It’s been claimed that Guardiola spoke to Fred after one of these encounters and it seems the player was rather enthused by the conversation they shared.
Speaking to UOL Esporte, as cited by the MEN, Fred opened up on the links to City.
Coming from someone like Guardiola, now one of the most recognised managers in the world, it makes me proud. It motivates me even more to continue to do my best in every training session and match.
We met briefly after that game. He praised my performance, I thanked him and complimented his team. It was all very fast, nothing more.
Fred is understood to be keen on the move to the Etihad Stadium, with his time in Ukraine seemingly coming to an end. He is, however, determined to remain focused on the task at hand with Shakhtar before he considers his future in the summer.
Everything about the compliments he did and the supposed City interest I heard in the press. I try not to worry about it. I let my representatives take care of that. My focus is on Shakhtar, with whom I have a contract.
