PSG ‘considering shock £30m move for Man United midfielder Fred’

Paris Saint-Germain are targeting Manchester United midfielder Fred in a shock move, according to reports.

The club triggered a one-year contract extension for the Brazilian on Tuesday, along with forward Marcus Rashford and full-backs Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot.

But as reported by The Sun, French giants PSG are eyeing up a surprise swoop for the £30million-rated central midfielder, who came off the bench as United beat Burnley in the League Cup on Wednesday.

The news comes despite the Brazilian, 29, signing a one-year contract extension on Tuesday

Fred’s deal was due to run out in summer 2023, along with the other three players, with United enacting the extensions to prevent losing any of the players for free at the end of the season and preserve their value.

But PSG are not thought to be put off by that, and are said to be keen on signing a player they have held a long-term interest in.

United manager Erik ten Hag is a fan of the player’s attitude but seemingly views him as no more as a squad player.

He has made just four starts in the Premier League this campaign, with compatriot Casemiro (centre), who joined in August for £70m, and Christian Eriksen (right) preferred in midfield

The club are thought to be willing to sell him, but will not allow Marcus Rashford (right) to leave

Fred has only started four Premier League games this season, with compatriot Casemiro – who joined in August for £70m – and Christian Eriksen the preferred duo in midfield.

So it is likely the 32-cap international would be open to a move to Paris and the prospect of more first-team football.

However, while the Red Devils are believed to be willing to discuss a deal for Fred at the right price, they are not open to a PSG move for Rashford. 

Marcus Rashford has also had a one-year contract extension triggered by Manchester United

Rashford endured a difficult 2021-22 campaign which saw him score just four league goals, while he was also consistently left out of Gareth Southgate’s England squad. 

This saw him linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the summer, with PSG openly showing interest in the forward.

He has returned to form this season, though, netting eight goals in all competitions for the Red Devils, while he finished as England’s joint-top scorer at the World Cup after netting three times in Qatar. 

But goalkeeper David de Gea faces an uncertain future with his deal running out next summer

Meanwhile, Shaw lost his place in the starting XI at the start of the season to Tyrell Malacia, but has since won his spot back, and he started all five of England’s matches at the World Cup.

And Dalot has moved ahead of Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order at right-back, with United keen to keep hold of him too.

There is less certainty over the future of David de Gea, though. His deal is set to expire next summer, and United are yet to trigger the option to extend his contract.