United Want To Finalise These Two Key Signings Before The World Cup

REUTERSAlex Grimm/Pool

Two players that Manchester United are desperate for could make their moves before the 2018 FIFA World Cup that starts from June 14 onwards.

United are close to agreeing a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred as well as Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld.

These transfer rumours seem to have gained positive ground, as Jose Mourinho is eyeing quick deals to keep his focus for the upcoming season. So how could the deals pan out?

According to a report in The Times, 25-year-old Brazil international Fred has his heart set on a move to Manchester.

That deal could likely happen sooner, as Shakhtar are looking to command a fee in the region of £52 million. Jose is believed to have won the race for Fred, as United are said to have an agreement in place with the Ukrainian side.

WATCH: 7 Things That Will Happen If Fred Joins United

Meanwhile, Toby Alderweireld is someone Jose is very keen to add to his side to boost his defensive options. The club believes that Toby could be on his way to Manchester, and they are willing to do everything quickly to land him soon.

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According to The Independent, Jose has already identified the player he is willing to offload to accommodate the new singing, and that defender is Eric Bailly.

In the 2017-18 season, the Ivory Coast international made just 18 appearances for United, and Jose is concerned about him being injury-prone. The player arrived with a lot of potential, but he hasn’t quite lived up to the reputation.