Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Chelsea enforcer Nemanja Matic ahead of a potential move, according to the Manchester Evening News.
The newspaper claim on their live transfer blog on their website (10:24) that the Reds have verbally agreed personal terms with the Serbian, and say that the player is keen.
They also report that the midfielder will have to wait for a reunion with former boss Jose Mourinho, with Chelsea unwilling to sell the 28-year-old until they have secured a replacement.
However, that could come in the near future, with the Times reporting that the London side are on the verge of securing a £36million move for AS Monaco man Tiemoue Bakayoko.
United boss Mourinho is in the market for a ball-winning midfielder this summer in an attempt to reduce the defensive responsibilities placed upon the shoulders of world record transfer fee holder Paul Pogba, in order to bring out the best of the Frenchman’s abilities.
The Manchester Evening News claimed that the Portuguese boss has showed interest in versatile Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier and Monaco man Fabinho, but claim that a move for Matic from his former side is his preference, even for a reported £40million.
The 31-time-capped Serbian international played an important role in Chelsea’s Premier League success, playing 35 out of 38 games, scoring one goal and chipping in with eight assists.