Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Manchester United risk losing Marouane Fellaini - sources

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is facing a battle to keep Marouane Fellaini, sources have told ESPN FC.

Fellaini's contract at Old Trafford is set to expire in the summer.

Mourinho is keen to retain the 29-year-old but if an extension cannot be agreed before Jan. 1, the midfielder will be allowed to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with an overseas club.

Galatasaray were interested during the summer while Besiktas have also flirted with the possibility of making an offer. 

There is also tentative interest from Italy with AC Milan and Roma monitoring the former Everton man's situation.

Sources have told ESPN FC that Fellaini turned down United's initial contract offer in September.

He is acutely aware that, as he approaches his 30th birthday, it could be his last big contract and wants United to match the terms on offer elsewhere before committing his future to the club.

Mourinho has been effusive in his praise for Fellaini since taking over from Louis van Gaal in 2016, branding the Belgium international "very important" before a Champions League tie with Basel earlier this season.

Fellaini arrived at Old Trafford from Everton in a £27.5 million deal in 2013 to become David Moyes' first signing after taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson.

He signed a four-year deal before penning a one-year extension in January to keep him under contract until 2018.

Fellaini returned from a knee injury to come off the bench during the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday.

He has made 142 appearances for United, scoring 19 goals.

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