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.
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.
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