Galatasaray are trying to sign Manchester United midfielder Fred on loan, according to Fotospor.
The Turkish news outlet report that the Super Lig club have opened talks over signing the Brazilian on a temporary basis.
A €2m (£1.8m) loan fee has been proposed, but that seems to be a very low figure, especially with United having only paid £50m for Fred a year ago.
The 26-year-old did not perform anywhere near to the level expected during his first season at Old Trafford, but with the lack of central midfield options in the squad, his departure would be a big surprise.
Supporters on Twitter don’t believe the story to have any basis in fact:
What an insult.
— Uncle Wilson™ (@iam_wilsons) 22 July 2019
Must be a joke
— MEACHIA (@tigga117) 23 July 2019
This is never gonna happen and should never happen. Someone is trying to create a fake story here.
— RiZzy? (@RiZzyUTD) 22 July 2019
Erm.. we need Fred
— SchRooVid (@roo_vid) 23 July 2019
This would be the dumbest thing United do if it’s true.
— Roby (@RoObaga) 23 July 2019
We’d be better keeping him and signing another midfielder. This club acts like the squad is brimming with talent
— Cody (@CodyDesigner) 23 July 2019
Why would Fred be sent on loan when we don’t even have enough midfielders?
— Teejay (@tjadeyemi01) 23 July 2019
Please give them matic instead of Fred
— Dr. BB (@boomfem) 23 July 2019
2m Is too little, 5m and they pay his wages.
— Izzy OG (@IzzyOG2) 23 July 2019
Please give him a chance first
— Mike? (@ForeverMensah) 23 July 2019
Turkish media sources are notoriously unreliable and fans would be wise to take any information from these publications with a huge pinch of salt.
If Fred does depart this season, you would expect United to have lined up a replacement already, but the club’s current focus appears to be on signing a centre-back.