Fred Set For Atlético Madrid Move - Reports

Atlético Madrid are not exactly short of strikers at the moment, but it appears they could be adding to their ranks this summer.

Marca reports that the Champions league outfit are targeting Lyon forward Fred as a possible signing, presumably to play as second-choice to Sergio Agüero and Diego Forlán.

The Brazilian will be available on a free transfer, as his contract expires this June, and it is even reported that he could have a pre-contract deal signed with Atlético.

However, the striker is not exactly settled at the moment. His relationship with Lyon is somewhat fraught and was in a deteriorating state even after he announced he would not be renewing his contract.

The situation is so bad that there is a chance he could finish the season playing in Brazil, with either Fluminense or Palmeiras.

When Fred does leave, it is believed that Lyon are after another Brazilian to replace him, and the man they want is Ricardo Oliveira.

The former AC Milan striker is currently playing for Real Zaragoza in Segunda, and has a contract with them until 2013.

If Fred does move to Atlético it will certainly be a strange signing, and possibly an unnecessary one, bearing in mind their needs at the moment.

At the start of the transfer window it was speculated that they would be after a central midfielder and also a defender and, as they are yet to sign anyone, these areas should still be their main targets.

James Walker-Roberts, Goal.com