Manchester United have reclaimed pole position from Manchester City in the race to sign Brazil midfielder Fred, according to a report.

The 25-year-old has impressed for Shakhtar Donetsk this season, his battling performances helping the club to top spot in the Ukrainian Premier League and the last 16 of the Champions League.

Man City had been tipped to land Fred in the January transfer window, having identified him as a long-term replacement for Fernandinho, but a move failed to materialise.

According to the Daily Star, the Premier League champions-elect are still monitoring the player, but no longer see him as a priority signing.

The report then claims that United boss Jose Mourinho has made Fred a top target and his representatives have reportedly confirmed that the strongest interest is coming from Old Trafford.

Shakhtar chief executive Sergei Palkin claimed earlier in March that Fred will be moving to one of the two Manchester clubs this summer.