Everton are reportedly lining up a shock move to sign ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred as David Moyes looks to strengthen the side this summer.
Moyes returned to the club in January and quickly led a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes. The Scotsman helped the Toffees to a 13th-placed finish, but will surely have his eyes fixed on breaking into the top half of the Premier League next term.
He is expected to be well-backed in the transfer market by The Friedkin Group, who are preparing to oversee their first summer transfer window since taking over on Merseyside.
Everton’s only signing so far has been a permanent deal for loanee Carlos Alcatraz, but that could be about to change with Moyes keen on a move for Fred, who has already clocked up over 100 Premier League appearances.
Moyes has prioritised £15.3m Fred deal
Fred has spent the last two seasons away from the Premier League following his previous stint with Manchester United, but that looks as though it could be about to change if Moyes gets his way.
The Scotsman is believed to have earmarked the signing of the Brazilian midfielder as a top priority for Everton and TFG this summer, according to Sozcu (13 June).
Fenerbahce are believed to be holding out for a fee of £15.3million if they are to sanction an exit for their 32-year-old star, but Moyes seems undeterred in his pursuit and the Turkish news outlet claims the Blues are “prepared to pay a large transfer fee” to get their man.
Talks are expected to progress in the coming days over a potential move for Fred, who has two years left on his current contract with the Turkish giants.
Fred could be a shrewd signing for Everton
Moyes clearly has designs on bolstering his midfield ranks as Everton move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium this summer.
With that in mind, a move for Fred could be an ideal option to establish a greater level of Premier League experience in the middle of the park for the Toffees.
Everton have already waved goodbye to several senior players upon the expiry of their contracts, including Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has been a big influence for them over several years at the centre of their midfield.
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Fred drew criticism at times during his time in Manchester, but on his day is a very capable midfielder at Premier League level. He covers ground well and produced several tenacious displays throughout his stint at Old Trafford.
At just a little over £15m, if Everton could secure Fred’s signature, it could prove to be one of the bargains of the summer later down the line.
