Manchester United are reportedly keen to complete the double signing of Tottenham Hotspur defender Toby Alderweireld and Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred before the World Cup begins next month, with both players representing their countries in Russia.
United were already known to be targeting the pair, who would have a likely combined cost in the region of £100m, in an attempt to strengthen key positions ahead of next season. But a report from The Times has now revealed the urgent timescale behind the deals.
Talks with Spurs over 29-year-old Alderweireld were reported to have begun earlier this week, although the apparent opening response from Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was to slap a £75m price tag on the Belgium international.