By Dave Marshall
Despite Jose Mourinho insisting that Marouane Fellaini is not for sale, there are reports still making the rounds that the 29-year-old could still depart Old Trafford in a €16m (£14.3m) deal to Galatasaray.
The Red Devils announced the signing of Serbian midfielder, Nemanja Matic on Monday which has thrown the future of Fellaini into deep doubt, but speaking after the game against Valerenga on Sunday, in which Fellaini netted the opener in a 3-0 win, Mourinho stated that Galatasaray stood a better chance of signing him than the frilly haired midfield midfielder.
Talk has been rife about the future of Fellaini since reports broke last week that the sporting director of the Turkish giants claimed that personal terms have been agreed with the Belgium international to take him to the Turkish Super Lig.
Ahead of a World Cup year, Fellaini is keen to play regularly given that the mundial is next summer In Russia. Despite Mourinho quashing reports of the former Everton man leaving Old Trafford, Turkish football expert, Emre Sarigul, has said the deal is still certain to go through. As culled from Daily star, He tweeted:
He tweeted: “Just to clear things up. [Badou] N’Diaye’s transfer does not mean Galatasaray are no longer in for Fellaini.
“Galatasaray have agreed personal terms with Fellaini. His representatives are well aware his days at Man Utd are numbered. Talks ongoing.
“Fellaini has under 12 months on the table. Galatasaray have made him an offer he probably won’t see again from a club in Europe.
“If Fellaini is so important to #MUFC where is his new contract? His agent is looking to the future. Galatasaray will talk with Man Utd.”
Fellaini has just a year left on his current contract and there have been no talks to extend it by the United board. Since his £27m move from Everton under David Moyes, he has always divided opinion by fans who feel he’s not good enough for the club but appreciate him for his determination and willingness to go through brick walls for the team. He is a trusted lieutenant of manager, Jose Mourinho but will be further down the pecking order following the arrival of Matic.
The former Everton man is a midfield player capable of playing any role in the middle of the park. He is downright physical, almost cynical and winds up opposition. He is also adept at playing just behind the striker where his aerial ability could be utilised to punish opposition teams.
In 4 years at the Theatre of Dreams, he has won the FA Cup, league cup, Europa League and Community Shield.
