Nemanja Matic has Manchester United medical as Chelsea star nears transfer

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Simon Johnson31 July 2017

Manchester United remain in negotiations with Chelsea over Nemanja Matic and could complete his transfer today.

Matic, who was left out of Antonio Conte's pre-season tour squad, is close to being confirmed as Jose Mourinho's main midfield signing following a medical with the Red Devils on Sunday.

Standard Sport understands that a leaked image which surfaced on Sunday showing Matic in United training gear is genuine, and the 28-year-old is set to seal a deal worth an initial £40million plus another £5m in potential add-ons.

The Serbian international was re-signed by Chelsea three years ago from Benfica in a £21m deal, but has become concerned over a lack of first-team football following Tiemoue Bakyoko's £40m arrival.

Chelsea see it as good business for a player who turns 29 on Tuesday, especially considering Conte has already brought in the 22-year-old Bakayoko from Monaco for a similar fee.

United's pursuit of Matic appeared to be in doubt after Mourinho beat Conte to the £75m signature of Romelu Lukaku earlier in the window.

However, the champions are prepared to sell to a direct rival after the midfielder's contribution to two title wins in 2015 and 2017 - as they did when Petr Cech moved to Arsenal two years ago.

Simon Johnson reports from Singapore during Chelsea's Asia tour

Mourinho appeared to confirm United would be signing Matic on Sunday, telling reporters: "I know that [Matic] wants that very, very much [to leave] and when a player wants very, very much the chance is bigger, the chance is bigger, so I think we have a chance but in football until it's official, I saw so many things happen that I refuse to say more than I am telling you now."