Report: Mourinho eyes Matic reunion at United

Jose Mourinho apparently has Nemanja Matic in his sights as the man to add some much-needed bite to the Manchester United midfield.

Matic was instrumental in Chelsea's title win under Mourinho in the 2014-15 season and, according to ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney, the Portuguese gaffer is eyeing the Serbian after turning his attentions to signing a midfielder, winger, a striker, and another defender to complement Wednesday's purchase of Eric Bailly from Villarreal.

Former Paris Saint-Germain forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic is widely touted to be moving to Old Trafford to address the need for more goals. There's also a rumoured pursuit of Paul Pogba, particularly after local rival Manchester City is believed to have stepped off its interest in the Juventus midfielder. But, given his acrimonious departure from the Red Devils in 2012 and no Champions League football next season that could prove a difficult deal to thrash out.

The Matic transfer seems a much easier proposition. The 27-year-old would have no European commitments at Chelsea next season, so the prospect of Europa League football at United would serve as a bonus. He could also be a victim of new Blues' boss Antonio Conte's restructuring, encouraging him to reunite with Mourinho. Furthermore, his fee would be considerably less than Pogba's.

Matic would offer competition to Bastian Schweinsteiger, Morgan Schneiderlin and Michael Carrick in United's deep-lying midfield roles, and has experience collecting honours in three countries.