Matic keen to reunite with former boss Mourinho at Old Trafford

CHELSEA midfielder Nemanja Matic wants to reunite with Jose Mourinho at United.

M.E.N. Sport understands the 28-year-old has discussed linking up with his former Chelsea manager and a deal is dependent on United and the Premier League champions agreeing a transfer fee.

Mourinho was keen on signing Matic last year but Chelsea coach Antonio Conte refused to sell the Serbia international, who started in 30 of the champions’ 38 Premier League fixtures during their title-winning campaign.

The M.E.N. revealed last week Mourinho had earmarked Matic as the holding midfielder to grant Paul Pogba a freer role next season.

Mourinho had prioritised a central midfield addition after Morgan Schneiderlin and Bastian Schweinsteiger’s departures.

Reports in March suggested Chelsea were about to reward Matic with a new contract yet they are still to announce a renewal to his deal that expires in 2019.

There is a growing feeling that a deal could be struck 12 months after their original interest, with Conte set to invest heavily in the squad that ran away with the title this season.

Double player of the year N’Golo Kante has become the driving force in Chelsea’s midfield after Matic had been so pivotal to Mourinho’s last title win at Stamford Bridge in 2015.

Sources describe the move as close to being agreed, with Mourinho leaving executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward to secure a priority list of four players while he holidays with his family.

Despite interest in Tottenham’s Eric Dier, Matic is considered a much more attainable target.

The United manager indicated earlier this season that he would be unable to buy players from Premier League competitors – but failed to mention Chelsea.

Mourinho brought Matic back to Chelsea for £21m in January 2014 .