Lazio president explains U-turn in bid to buy Fred from Manchester United
manchestereveningnews.co.ukLazio president Claudio Lotito was ready to bid for Fred this summer but was told not to by manager Maurizio Sarri. Manchester United are expected to sell Fred in this window as Erik ten Hag looks to trim the fat of his squad.
The Dutchman has put several first-team fringe players up for sale in a bid to raise funds for further investment. It is hoped that the Brazilian would bring in around £20million and he was expected to join Fulham, with manager Marco Silva the driving force behind the move.
The pair were spotted chatting outside Old Trafford after the final game of last season. Want to join our MUFC Pro club for a totally ad-free version of the MEN’s Man United app packed with premium features? Click here ALSO READ: United open to Sofyan Amrabat transfer depending on sales But talk of a move to Craven Cottage has gone quiet in recent weeks while other suitors across Europe emerge.
Lotito was ready to enter talks with the Reds until told otherwise by his manager Sarri. “I was prepared to open talks with Man United and bid for Fred, but Maurizio Sarri told me no — he doesn’t want Fred," the Lazio chief told Il Messaggero. “He did the same with [Giovanni] Lo Celso… Sarri wants [Piotr] Zielinski and [Samuele] Ricci." Galatasaray has emerged as the latest potential destination for Fred, with the Turkish side said to be in talks with United.
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