Chelsea’s Willian held talks over Manchester United move

Manchester United held talks to sign Brazil international forward Willian earlier this summer, according to Goal.

The Premier League side, who have signed defender Victor Lindelof (Benfica), striker Romelu Lukaku (Everton) and midfielder Nemanja Matic (Chelsea) this transfer window, however failed to lure the Chelsea winger to Old Trafford ahead of the 2017-18 campaign after the player committed his future to The Blues.

The 29-year-old, who has 47 international caps for his country, scored 12 goals and provided five assists in 41 appearances in all competitions for the Premier League champions last season.

Willian, who arrived at Stamford Bridge back in August 2013 following his reported £30m switch from Russian outfit Anzhi Makhachkala, has netted 31 times in 182 games overall for Chelsea, winning two league titles and the League Cup.

Chelsea’s Willian.

In an interview with Goal, the Brazilian explained how he almost sealed a reunion with ex-Blues boss Jose Mourinho at United this summer, “There were a few conversations with my agent. I worked with Mourinho and I became his friend as well.

“He likes me a lot and I like him a lot as a coach and as a person. He has put his trust in me and in my work, and I was very grateful to him.

“Manchester came to me, they talked with my agent, but nothing happened, because Chelsea would not negotiate me in any way and I’m very happy at Chelsea.”