The news earlier this weekend was that José Mourinho was pushing his new team to acquire Nemanja Matić from his old team, and according to various rumors on Sunday, that push is starting to look very successful.
Sky Sports is claiming that a £40m fee has been agreed and that the deal is close and “should be done in next few days”.
Manchester United very close to signing Nemanja Matic from Chelsea. Deal should be done in next few days. Juventus giving up
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 30, 2017
Mourinho is obviously the big factor for Matić, while the money involved has apparently gotten Chelsea to relent on the previous preference to sell to a team outside of England rather than Manchester United and thus strengthening a rival.
Working again with Mourinho big factor in Matic decision to move to Man United. If all goes to plan could be involved v Real Madrid on 8 Aug
— Kaveh Solhekol (@SkyKaveh) July 30, 2017
There are matching rumors in Italy as well, with Juventus missing out on the Spiderbeast just two days shy of his 29th birthday.
No more chance for #Juve #Matic is now very very close from #Chelsea to #ManUnited @SkySport #transfers pic.twitter.com/gs6NGpTwvK
— Angelo Mangiante (@angelomangiante) July 30, 2017
It sounds like personal terms may be the last thing remaining, but if Matić does truly want to work with Mourinho again, those shouldn’t take very long at this point.
Nemanja Matic is getting closer to Man United. The player is ready to accept. Talks ongoing. #MUFC #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 30, 2017
In fact, if this (photoshopped?) picture going around Twitter is to be believed, the deal is all but a formality.
Clearer picture of Nemanja Matic, who has today joined Manchester United for £40m. Solid signing. pic.twitter.com/lcxF1xmHSD
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) July 30, 2017
UPDATE: The Telegraph confirms the picture is understood to be real and part of Matić’s medical at United. The BBC also reports that the deal is close.