Belgium international Marouane Fellaini is reportedly holding out for a significant wage hike in order to prolong his Old Trafford stay. The 29-year-old has just nine months left on his present deal with Manchester United, and he could potentially negotiate a pre-contract with an overseas club in January.
According to The Sun, talks over a contract extension are still at an initial phase with Fellaini said to want a significant increase in his present £130,000-a-week wages. The former Evertonian has adapted tremendously to the central midfield role in Paul Pogba’s injury absence and feels he should be rewarded for his efforts this term.
A United source said: “There is a fear that Marouane will only stay here with a major pay increase. He is on good money already, but feels he has a worth. They are in a difficult spot with him out of contract next summer.
“The club already took out their 12-month option to extend his deal back in January, so it’s proving difficult. He wants to stay by all accounts, but has seen the club hand big money in recent seasons to new arrivals.”
Fellaini’s future has been placed in doubt earlier during the summer transfer window following an approach from Turkish giants Galatasaray. However, Mourinho knocked back advances from the Istanbul outfit after stating that the Belgian is ‘too important‘ to his plans.
Since Pogba’s hamstring injury, Fellaini has produced a string of impressive performances from the starting lineup, and his best showing undoubtedly came in the 4-0 thumping of Crystal Palace last weekend where he notched a brace in a man of the match showing.
Mourinho has spoken fondly about the midfielder’s commitment in recent weeks, and the manager is understood to be desperate to commit him to a new deal, having proved his doubters wrong.
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