Fulham have shown an interest in signing Manchester United midfielder Fred during the summer transfer window, according to a report.
With Casemiro and Christian Eriksen forming Erik ten Hag's first-choice midfield pairing this season, Fred has been restricted to a sporadic role at Old Trafford.
The 30-year-old has remained a key part of the Red Devils' plans with 55 appearances throughout the season, scoring six goals and providing six assists amid further competition from Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer.
Fred has both scored and assisted in the Premier League, Europa League, FA Cup and EFL Cup this term, but he has only started 12 top-flight games, including Sunday's 2-1 final-day success over Fulham.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man set up Bruno Fernandes's winner with a crisp slide-rule pass at Old Trafford, as Ten Hag's side came from a goal down to ensure a third-placed finish in the table.
Back in December, Man United triggered an extension in Fred's contract to prevent him leaving on a free transfer this summer, but he is only tied down to the club until the end of next season.
With the Red Devils potentially adding to their midfield ranks this summer as well, talkSPORT claims that the Brazil international could be on his way out in the coming weeks.
The report adds that Fulham have emerged as contenders to sign Fred this summer, and he was seen in conversation with Cottagers boss Marco Silva following Sunday's game.
Silva, who apparently sped off the team bus to have a word with Fred, is said to be leading Fulham's pursuit of the midfielder as he aims to add to his Brazilian contingent in the capital.
The Cottagers, who were promoted back to the big time last year, comfortably retained their top-flight status with a 10th-placed finish, thanks in no small parts to the efforts of Willian and Andreas Pereira.
Willian and Pereira flattered to deceive with Arsenal and Man United respectively, but the pair have reignited their careers with Fulham, and Silva is confident that he can get the best out of Fred on a consistent basis too.
Man United broke the bank to sign the South American in a £51.2m deal in the summer of 2018, and he has registered 14 goals and 19 assists in 212 games for the club in all tournaments.
Despite playing a bit-part role in the Premier League, Fred started four games for Man United during their triumphant EFL Cup run and completed 70 minutes of their 2-0 victory over Newcastle United in the final.
The 2022-23 EFL Cup represented Fred's first piece of major silverware with Man United, who are believed to be plotting a move for Chelsea's Mason Mount in a bid to bolster their midfield ranks.
Ten Hag has affirmed that the Red Devils must invest in the squad to maintain their top-four standing, but a new striker is thought to be the club's number one priority before they turn their attention to the engine room. body check tags ::
