By Mark Weasley
Manchester United are getting ever closer to signing Nemanja Matic from Chelsea after Juventus reportedly pulled out of the race to sign the 28-year-old Serbian powerhouse.
The Chelsea midfielder is keen on a move to Old Trafford following the arrival of Monaco star, Tiemoue Bakayoko, and has been left out of the Blues’ pre-season tour of Asia, as the club look to negotiate a move for him.
As quoted by Daily Express, Popular and respected Italian journalist, Gianluca di Marzio reports that Matic is set to move to the 20-time English champions after Juventus turned their attention to PSG star, Blaise Matuidi.
Jose Mourinho is keen on a defensive midfield enforcer to add steel to his midfield and free Paul Pogba the platform the opportunity to thrive in a more attacking role. The Portuguese maestro has been linked to the likes of Tottenham’s Eric Dier but the north Londoners hardball and £60m valuation has put him off.
He is keen to re-unite with the player who he brought back to English football in January 2014 from Benfica in a £22m deal.
Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich has sanctioned the deal given the price involved, which is rumoured to be around £50m.
Matic is widely regarded as one of the best players in the anchorman role, and famed for his tough tackling, passing and football intelligence to anticipate opposition moves and break up play.
United suffered in the middle of the park on many occasions last season as we were constantly overpowered in that department.
