The race to sign Manchester United midfielder Fred is expected to heat up “this week” according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Writing in his column for CaughtOffside.com, the Italian journalist revealed that clubs from Saudi Arabia may join Galatasaray and other teams in pursuing the Brazilian international:

“Keep on eye on Fred this week. Galatasaray have been pushing for days but I’m told other clubs are joining the race, from Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. Manchester United expect him to leave very soon, so this week could be key.”

United were hoping to get around £20m for the 30-year-old, who signed from Shakhtar Donetsk for £47m five years ago, but it remains to be seen whether any team will match the asking price.

Galatasaray are the only club to have tabled a formal bid for Fred so far, but the Turkish champions have only offered €8m (£6.9m).

United have already lined up their replacement

Manager Erik ten Hag is believed to have identified the player that he wants to replace Fred. Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is the midfielder that the United boss wants to bring in.

The Moroccan international reportedly has an asking price between €30m (£26m) and €35m (£30m) but the Red Devils are said to be hoping to pay just £19m upfront.

Other players in the first-team squad are also up for sale

In addition to Fred, United are willing to listen to offers for other players, including the likes of Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Dean Henderson.

Van de Beek has been attracting interest from Real Sociedad, while McTominay is thought to be a target for West Ham, although the Scottish international’s £40m to £45m valuation may put off potential suitors.

Henderson, meanwhile, was poised to make a move to Nottingham Forest but that transfer could be in jeopardy with Forest now targeting Arsenal’s Matt Turner.