Manchester United close to signing Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic
Written by News on 31/07/2017
Manchester United are close to signing Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic, according to Sky sources.
United hope to complete a deal for the 28-year-old in the coming days as Jose Mourinho continues his summer spending spree at Old Trafford.
Sky sources understand the United hierarchy have agreed a £40million fee for Matic, who made 40 appearances in all competitions last season.
Speaking after United’s pre-season over Valerenga on Sunday, Mourinho said: "I’m waiting for news. I know that he wants that very, very much and when a player wants very, very much the chance is bigger, so I think we have a chance, but in football until it’s official, I have so many things happen that I refuse to say more than I am telling you now."
Serie A champions Juventus have given up on their pursuit of Matic and have instead turned their attention to Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi, as well as Sevilla midfielder Steven N’Zonzi, according to Sky Italia.
Tiemoue Bakayoko’s arrival at Stamford Bridge has paved the way for Matic to reunite with former Blues boss Mourinho.
It is understood Chelsea have allowed Matic to join United as a goodwill gesture because of his contribution to the club’s two Premier League titles in the last three years.
Sky sources understand the Blues would have preferred to have sold Matic to Juventus rather than a domestic rival, but the Serbia international, who was given permission to not travel with the rest of the Chelsea squad on their pre-season tour of China, wants to move to United instead.
Matic is set to become the third new face at Old Trafford this summer following the arrival of Victor Lindelöf and Romelu Lukaku from Benfica and Everton respectively.
Sky sources understand the midfielder has been training at Chelsea’s Cobham base this week and could join up with United in time to face Real Madrid in the UEFA Super Cup on August 8.
Mourinho’s side continue their pre-season schedule against Norwegian club Valerenga on Sunday before they face Sampdoria on August 2.
(c) Sky News 2017: Manchester United close to signing Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic
