Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred has welcomed interest from Manchester United but says he is focused on the World Cup.
The Brazil midfielder has been the subject of extensive speculation over his future in recent months, with Manchester City having also been linked with a January move for him.
However the 25-year-old says that their crosstown rivals have stolen a march on City with a “very strong bid”, reportedly worth £44million.
“The talks had been in progress since January with City,” Fred said in a press conference. “Soon after, City and United talked to Shakhtar and my agents.
“And now, if I'm not mistaken, there was news of a very strong bid from United.
“As far as negotiations go, I am only [focusing] on the World Cup. You just think about that, forget about other things. My agents are taking care of it.”
Fred added: “It is an honour to have the attention of the great coaches of Europe.”
