Jose Mourinho wants a reunion with his former midfielder Nemanja Matic at Roma, with the Serbian set to leave Manchester United.
According to Tutto Mercato Web, AS Roma are interested in a deal for Nemanja Matic who will quit Manchester United in the summer. The Italian giants seek a new midfielder and manager Jose Mourinho is eyeing a third reunion with his former enforcer in Rome.
Many managers are known to take a few of their trusted players along the journey to different clubs. Jose Mourinho has done it throughout his career with the likes of Ricardo Carvalho, Paulo Ferreira, Hernan Crespo, Michael Essien and Matic. The duo has a previous history and could be in for another reunion in the twilight years of the midfielder’s career.
Matic previously played and won the Premier League under Mourinho at Chelsea. They were reunited once more when the Portuguese manager joined Manchester United and persuaded the club to pay £40 million for the Serbian enforcer.
As things stand, Mourinho is eyeing a third reunion with Matic, provided Roma persuade the midfielder to join them in the summer. The Serbian has been a good signing for Manchester United over the years, although he could never reach the heights of his success at Chelsea.
Manchester United confirmed Matic’s departure at the end of the season, even though he will have a year left on his contract. There are no indications of letting the midfielder depart on a free transfer, meaning the club could demand a modest fee in return.
Roma are interested as Mourinho has been crying out for a dominant midfielder since last summer. They were heavily linked with Granit Xhaka back then, only for the Swiss star to remain at Arsenal and sign a new contract.
They were expected to rekindle their interest once more, but things have changed in that aspect. Xhaka confirmed his desire to remain at Arsenal for the duration of his contract, which effectively rules a move away. Roma are now looking at other options including, Tottenham star Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
The Spurs midfielder may cost around €40 million in the current market, which may be beyond Roma’s price range. However, with the availability of Matic, they could look to complete a financially viable move. They will still have to convince the midfielder over signing up with the Serie A club.
As things stand, Matic will leave the Premier League side, and unless there are dramatic offers on the table, Roma seems like a safe bet. Moreover, Mourinho’s presence may help the Italian side in sealing the deal and convincing the player to move to Italy.
