Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic and could sign the Serbia international before the end of the week, sources have told ESPN FC.
The 28-year-old, who returned to Chelsea for a second spell at Stamford Bridge in a £21 million transfer from Benfica in Jan 2014, has emerged as Jose Mourinho's top target in his attempts to recruit a new defensive midfielder, with United being given no encouragement in their efforts to prise Eric Dier from Tottenham.
Tiemoue Bakayoko, Mourinho's No. 1 option for the holding role, is expected to sign for Chelsea from Monaco -- a move that will unlock the door for Matic to head to Old Trafford.