According to reports in The Mirror, Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has told Manchester United they can sign Nemanja Matic for £50m after having a £35m bid turned down.

What’s the word, then?

Well, The Mirror says that the Blues are still angry after United beat them to the signing of Romelu Lukaku earlier this month, and they will demand an extra £15m for the 28-year-old Red Devils target after their initial £35m offer was rejected.

The Mirror adds that while Juventus are interested, the Serbia international would prefer to link up with Jose Mourinho again and while the Premier League holders wouldn’t usually sell to a direct rival, Abramovich is ready to sanction the deal as an act of goodwill to the midfielder after he helped them win two top flight titles in the previous three seasons.

How well did Matic do last season?

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The 28-year-old played a huge role alongside N’Golo Kante in the middle of the park for the Blues as they cruised to the Premier League title, often keeping Cesc Fabregas out of the team.

The Serbia international showed his creative abilities by providing eight assists in 35 Premier League appearances, but he would likely be used in a more defensive midfield role by Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Would Chelsea be pleased with £50m for Matic?

They would be very pleased, yes.

The 28-year-old only has two years left on his contract and the Blues have already signed his replacement Tiemoue Bakayoko for £40m, and he is six years younger than Matic with huge potential to improve in the future.

Would United be pleased with paying £50m?

Considering they have offered £35m they certainly won’t be happy paying £50m, but if Mourinho really wants to bring in a new defensive midfielder before the start of the season he may have to do it after being told that Tottenham Hotspur’s Eric Dier is not for sale at any price.

What’s the verdict, then?

Well, Chelsea look to have Manchester United exactly where they want them right now and the Red Devils are likely to pay the £50m fee to bring Matic to Old Trafford in the coming weeks, whether they believe he is worth that much or not.

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