Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho remains hopeful of keeping Marouane Fellaini at Old Trafford beyond the expiry of his current contract. The Belgium international is currently tied to United until the end of the season, but talks are continuing in regards to a fresh deal.
Speaking ahead of the Tottenham game, Mourinho talked up the influence of Fellaini, who he regards as a ‘very important player’ in his first-team squad. The 30-year-old has been unlucky with a recurrent knee problem this campaign, but the manager has stressed that the midfielder knows he is a valuable player at the club.
“He is a very important player for me, he’s been a great professional giving everything to help the team. I’m happy with his contribution, he’s been a great professional for us, and I know he wants to stay with us, that is very important, he knows that I want him and the club want him, I think this is also important for him. Then there is a paper to sign and you only sign when you’re happy with what is written on the paper, so let’s see if that is possible,” he told reporters.
Fellaini turned down a first contract offer from United in September 2017, and the club have since tabled an improved deal for the Belgian, though he has yet to respond. As things stand, Fellaini could be available for a Bosman at the end of the campaign, and he is of alleged interest to Paris Saint-Germain and Besiktas.
Mourinho has not offered a Premier League start to Fellaini since his initial injury setback in October, and the reduced gametime, especially in League and Europe, could urge him to pursue a fresh challenge at a club, where he stands to establish himself in the backend of his career.
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