Man United Midfielder’s Representatives In Talks With Turkish Champions Despite Mourinho Urging Him To Stay
Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has been closely linked with Besiktas this season.
A source close to Besiktas has revealed to Turkish-Football that the club have scouted Fellaini this season.
The Black Eagles have held talks with the Belgium international’s representatives.
The Istanbul giants have not made United a formal offer.
Besiktas are keen on signing Fellaini as a free agent at the end of the season as opposed to paying a fee in January.
Fellaini will be a free agent at the end of the season unless a new deal is struck.
Jose Mourinho recently admitted he fears Fellaini may not be at United next season [Sky Sports]: “Yes, I am.”
Mourinho responded to a question asking if there was anything he could do to turn it around by saying: “Nothing. It is a discussion between the player and the board. I am not involved in contracts, in deals. And I respect both.
“I respect the player because the player has the right to decide his future. He finishes his contract, he has the right to decide his future, and I respect the board because the decisions and the discussions are under their control.
“So I just wait, wishing that they will have an understanding but it’s out of my control.”
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The 29-year-old would be cup tied in the Champions League if he were to join and Besiktas do not need an attacking midfielder immediately.
The reigning Super Lig champions are planning for the possibility that on loan attacking midfielder Anderson Talisca does not make his stay permanent.
The Brazilian is on a temporary move from Benfica and while Besiktas are keen on him staying a deal has yet to be agreed.
Besiktas have drawn up a shortlist including Talisca, Fellaini and Juan Mata as potential summer targets.
The Super Lig based outfit have won the league title for the past two seasons and will take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League Last 16 after becoming the first Turkish side to finish the group stage as leaders.