Manchester City chiefs held transfer strategy talks before victory over Newcastle United yesterday.

The Daily Mail says City chiefs held a transfer meeting hours before Saturday's victory over Newcastle as they look to close in on a deal for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.

Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak, sporting director Txiki Begiristain and chief executive Ferran Soriano discussed targets, including West Brom's Jonny Evans.

There remain obstacles to overcome in the hunt for Evans, who is valued in the region of £20million, with Pep Guardiola hopeful of adding a new central defender this month.

A move for the £40m-rated Fred is at a more advanced stage and it is believed a delegation from Shakhtar were in Manchester earlier in the week.