Lazio chief explains why they didn't sign Fred: 'Maurizio Sarri didn't want him'

Fred has already agreed on personal terms with Galatasaray but Lazio were also interested in signing him.

When asked why he didn't sign the Manchester United midfielder, president of the Serie A side Claudio Lotito said: "I was prepared to open talks with Man United and bid for Fred, but Maurizio Sarri [the manager] told me no — he doesn’t want Fred.

"He did the same with Lo Celso… Sarri wants Zielinski and Ricci."

Sarri is notable for managing Chelsea and winning the Europa League with them.

Meanwhile, the Red Devils have transfer-listed Fred and he's not part of the pre-season tour either.

Man United are expecting a fee of around €20 million for the Brazilian, who is now surplus to requirement at Old Trafford.