Transfer Centre

Nemanja Matic linked with Manchester United switch

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 24 May 2016

Jose Mourinho reportedly earmarks £25m-rated Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic as the perfect replacement for Michael Carrick at Manchester United.

Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic has been linked with a move to Manchester United to link up with former manager Jose Mourinho.

Mourinho is expected to be named as Louis van Gaal's successor at Old Trafford later this week having been linked with the post since he was sacked by Chelsea in December.

Reports have suggested that Mourinho could be handed up to £200m to spend in the transfer market as United look to regain their position among the top four in the Premier League.

A whole host of players have been linked with a move to the club in anticipation of Mourinho's arrival, and Matic could reportedly be available for £25m.

Mourinho brought the 27-year-old back to Stamford Bridge in 2014, and the defensive midfielder went on to play a key part in Chelsea's title success in 2014-15.

Michael Carrick is expected to leave United when his contract expires this summer, and Mourinho has reportedly earmarked Matic as the perfect replacement in the middle of the park.

However, it is unclear whether Chelsea would be willing to sell the Serbia international to a rival team, with both expected to challenge for Champions League football next term.