OPINION
Italian giants Juventus are reportedly preparing to make a bid for Manchester United defender Marouane Fellaini this summer.
The Sun claims that the Serie A champions are willing to spend around £22.5 million in order to land the 29-year-old.
The newspaper reports Juventus are keen to add a strong and physical midfielder to their ranks this season and they believe that the Belgian is the perfect candidate.
Good move for United?
It is fair to say that Fellaini’s constant presence at Old Trafford still does not sit well with a number of United fans so it might come as a huge shock to them that a team such as Juventus are reportedly keen to secure his signature.
The Belgian does not provide the first-team squad with the same qualities as past midfield legends such as Roy Keane and Paul Scholes but since completing his move to the club four years ago, three different managers have kept the faith in him.
However, Fellaini might not be guaranteed many minutes this season following the arrival of Nemanja Matic from Chelsea and manager Jose Mourinho is likely to opt with Ander Herrera when he decides to go with a three-man midfield alongside star man Paul Pogba.
The Belgium international has already proven in the Super Cup against Real Madrid that he can be effective as a substitute when United need a goal as he has the ability to completely disrupt the opposing defence when United opt to play long balls.
It is also clear that he is a massive favourite of Mourinho, who has regularly praised the giant’s attitude and commitment to the cause.
Love him or not, Fellaini has shown during his nine year spell in the Premier League that he is a very difficult player to handle on his day and given that United will be competing in the Champions League this season, a strong squad will be key and selling the midfielder could come back to haunt them.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
Mourinho recently laughed off claims that Fellaini could be sold this summer when there was reported interest from Turkish club Galatasaray and he is unlikely to sanction his departure to Italy.
The Belgian has already featured in United’s opening two competitive matches of the season and with the Portuguese manager seemingly one of his biggest admirers, Fellaini is surely set to extend his stay at Old Trafford.
However, even in this current climate, £22.5 million is still a lot of money for a 29-year-old who is not guaranteed to start on a weekly basis for the club this season.
If Juventus proceed to table a huge offer for the midfielder, United will certainly need to think twice before making a decision.
This Is Futbol rating: 1/10