Willian won’t be joining United UNITED 2018/19

WILLIAN is staying at Chelsea, despite interest from United.

The M.E.N. revealed in May the Reds had met the winger’s representatives amid his dissatisfaction with previous Stamford Bridge coach Antonio Conte, but the Italian was replaced by Maurizio Sarri last month.

Barcelona had bids rejected for Willian before they plumped for Bordeaux forward Malcom in July and Real Madrid have also been linked with a move for the Brazil international.

United manager Jose Mourinho brought Willian to England in 2013 but a reunion now appears unlikely this summer. “I always told him [Sarri] I’m really happy playing for Chelsea,” Willian said. “I never talk about me leaving the club, this is a new era with the new boss and our first conversations have gone really well and I hope to have a lot of victories for us.

“This is just the beginning. I’ve been only in three training sessions.

“We have a new season, with a new philosophy, a new style of playing with a new manager, everything is new for everyone but this team has everything to improve in all aspects.”

Mourinho wants two more signings but only expects one and a winger could elude him for the second summer running.

United failed to prise Croatia international Ivan Perisic away from Internazionale last year.

Mourinho is keen to off-load wantaway winger Anthony Martial to give him the leverage to sign another forward.