MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced into extending Nemanja Matic’s deal because of their midfield injury crisis.
The 31-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and free to talk to clubs around Europe this month.
Nemanja Matic is in line for a surprise new Manchester United contract, with it running outCredit: Getty
The Red Devils were prepared to let him leave during the current transfer window for a small fee, with a number of sides interested.
But boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has problems in central midfield, and is looking to recruit this month to bolster his ranks in the centre of the park.
Paul Pogba has just had surgery on an ankle injury and is facing at least a few months on the sidelines. There are also still rumours the World Cup winner could leave the club – if not this month then in the summer.
Scott McTominay is also crocked and may also not be back for a few months, leaving them desperately short of options.
It is understood Old Trafford chiefs spoke with Matic’s camp earlier this week to explain their plans for his future.
United do not want to lose him on a free transfer, and told him they plan to trigger the 12-month option in his contract.
This will keep him at the club until the summer of 2021, but they could at least recoup around £15million for him in the summer.
Matic, who is on £150,000-a-week, already had one eye on a move to Italy with Inter Milan showing interest, along with MLS side Chicago Fire.
Meanwhile, United are closing in on a £51m move for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese goal hero, 25, wants a switch to Old Trafford with talks set to continue over the coming days.
Man Utd could use Jose Mourinho favourite Matic as bait to land Spurs ace Eriksen in January transfer window
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
