Manchester United must cough up £50m to sign Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic

Manchester United have reportedly been told they can sign Serbia international star Nemanja Matic, but only if they stump up £50m, according to the Mirror.

The Premier League side, who lifted the UEFA Europa League and the EFL Cup last term, but finished sixth in the top-flight standings, have made a £35m offer for the Chelsea midfielder.

The 28-year-old, who has 32 international caps for his country, scored two goals and provided nine assists in 40 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League champions last season.

However, Matic, who only returned to Stamford Bridge in January 2014 for a reported £21m following his move back from Benfica, is valued at £50m by The Blues.

Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic.

Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is keen on a reunion with the Serbian defensive midfielder, who has netted seven strikes in over 150 games for Chelsea overall, but the ‘Special One’ has been told to increase his offer by another £15m.

Despite Serie A giants Juventus also being interested in Matic’s services, it is thought the player has expressed a desire to seal a move to Old Trafford this summer transfer window.

The Serbian would becomes United’s third summer signing, following the arrivals of striker Romelu Lukaku (Everton) and defender Victor Lindelof (Benfica).