Sridhar Bhamidi
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini could be using interest from Galatasaray as a bargaining chip in the negotiations with the club over a new contract.
The Daily Mail reports that the Belgium international who has less than 12 months left on his current contract is yet to accept a new offer. It is being reported that talks are going on between Fellaini’s advisers and the club. However, the latest proposal from the club is reported to have fallen short of what Fellaini’s camp is looking for.
Fellaini did not have a great start to his United career after signing under David Moyes. He was picked by a section of supporters as a sign of the malaise under Moyes and the player too failed to live up to expectations.
It was only under Jose Mourinho that the player has started to churn out good performances consistently. The Portuguese manager considers the Belgian midfielder as an important player in his squad, so much so that the manager considered the draw against Stoke City a result of his absence.
There was never a question of the club’s desire in giving him an extension, especially after Mourinho’s public display of admiration for Fellaini.
Fellaini turns 30 in November and the Red Devils have a policy of offering one-year rolling contracts to players above 30. The Belgian is angling for a longer deal and is reported to be quoting the interest from Turkey and Italy as a bargaining chip in his negotiations.
Turkish media claim that Galatasaray made an offer for the player who is contemplating if he should leave United at the end of the season. They were interested in the summer but Mourinho brushed off any suggestions of the player leaving the club.
It is being reported that the Istanbul giants reached an agreement-in-principle with Fellaini, which would have seen the Belgium international sign a four-year deal worth €4million per season.
It would be interesting to see how the club responds to these reports. Fellaini’s performances have improved under Mourinho and the manager would surely want him to stay. I believe that both camps can sort out the issue and it is only a matter of time before Fellaini signs a new deal.
