Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder hopeful of representing Brazil at World Cup

Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Fred is hoping to put in consistent performances through the remainder of the campaignin order to make the cut for the Brazilian World Cup squad. The 24-year-old had initially been overseen by his nation due to a failed doping test in 2015, but he is pleased to have made a comeback after a lengthy ban.

In a report covered by Goal.com, the central midfielder is delighted with his return under Tite in November 2017, and he is now hoping to maintain his showing in order to represent Brazil in Russia, he said:"I was delighted to be called back into the Brazil squad. I think it was one of the most exciting moments of my life, just because of everything I had been through and it feeling like a, had been given a second chance.It was a sign that I was back and had recovered my form on the pitch. It was pleasing to see that being recognised by Tite and his staff. To be able to come back for the final qualifiers was really great. The World Cup squad is not yet final and I will do everything in my power to make it to Russia.”

In addition to impressing Tite, the midfielder has also caught the eye of Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who had a word with him during the Champions League group phase. Fred has been earmarked as a potential long-term replacement for compatriot Fernandinho, and the Citizens are expected to step up their pursuit in the summer after a failed approach last month.

Aside from Fernandinho, Yaya Toure’s future at City is also in doubt beyond the season, and the Mancunian giants are likely to be busy reinforcing their midfield after strengthening the backline during the previous summer transfer window. The likes of Danilo, Benjamin Mendy and Kyle Walker were signed in the summer of 2017 whilst Aymeric Laporte arrived from Athletic Bilbao in January.