Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic is reportedly keen on a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho at Manchester United. The Serbian international has two years left on his existing deal at Stamford Bridge.
According to The Manchester Evening News, the 28-year-old could entertain working alongside Mourinho next season, should both clubs reach an agreement over the transfer.
Matic had been pursued by Mourinho during the last summer transfer window, but the Blues knocked back advances with Antonio Conte having assured the player of a regular role.
The Serb started in 30 out of the 38 games in the Blues’ Premier League triumph, and there are still doubts over his future with his contract situation yet to be resolved.
The Blues were expected to reward Matic with a new contract as early as March, but they have now cooled talks over the discussion with Conte looking to recruit a new midfielder into his ranks.
Chelsea are hot on the pursuit of long-time target Tiemoue Bakayoko and it is suggested that his arrival could have an impact on Matic’s role in the starting lineup.
Mourinho parted ways with both Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger during the winter transfer window, and there is a desperate need for a new central midfielder, who could free up Paul Pogba in a more advanced role.
Matic won the English title under the Special One during the 2014/15 campaign and he shares a fruitful relationship with the Portuguese manager, who was in charge of bringing him for a second stint.
Meanwhile, Manchester United also have a long history with Matic with former coach David Moyes having failed to lure Matic to Old Trafford prior to his second coming in west London.
The former Benfica lad has appeared in nearly 150 outings for the Premier League holders since arriving from the Estádio da Luz for £21m in January 2014.
Image – EPA