Manchester United to confirm Fred signing 'within the next week'

Manchester United are reportedly confident of sorting a work permit for Fred within the next seven days, allowing them to formally sign the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder.

The Red Devils shook hands on a £50m deal with Ukrainian side Shakhtar last week to bring an end to months of speculation.

Fred has not yet officially been registered as a United player, though, as all the relevant paperwork still needs filling out - complicated by the 25-year-old's forthcoming participation in the World Cup.

United do not expect any last-minute glitches, however, and Sky Sports News reports that Fred will be formally announced as Jose Mourinho's second summer signing before next Tuesday, following on from Diogo Dalot's arrival last week.

The Belo Horizonte-born ace, who registered four goals and seven assists in 37 appearances last season, is currently nursing an ankle injury sustained in training.