Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly identified Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred as a long-term successor to Fernandinho at the Etihad Stadium.
According to James Robson of the Manchester Evening News, City have made initial steps with a view to a £30 million move in the future, although it's added a January transfer would be tough to broker.
"A January deal for the 24-year-old is seen as a long shot—but by starting the process early, City believe they will have a head start in the summer, just as they did with the signings of Bernardo Silva and Ederson last year" noted Robson.