Manchester City are launching a bid for Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred.

The Manchester Evening News says City are plotting a £45million bid for Fred.

Pep Guardiola is said to see the 24-year-old as a long-term successor to Fernandinho.

This comes following Pep Guardiola's worries that Fernandinho is playing week-in week-out this season and after Manchester United were also linked with Fred as a replacement for Michael Carrick.

City's main target this month however, is a centre-back.