Manchester United close to signing Nemanja Matic, report claims

Not for the first time this summer, Manchester United are close to signing a new player.

Chelsea's Nemanja Matic, who has been linked with United on a number of occasions since the season ended, is said to be close to completing a move to Old Trafford with ESPN reporting the deal could be done by the end of the next week. It's been widely reported that Jose Mourinho has been looking to bring in a defensive midfielder before the new season, with ESPN claiming that the United boss had identified Monaco's Tiemoue Bakayoko as his number one target for the position. However, Bakayoko is now thought to be close to a switch to Chelsea - a move that will pave the way for Matic's transfer to United. Matic is currently in his second spell with Chelsea, having been brought back to the club from Benfica in 2014 by Mourinho. With the transfer window set to open on July 1 and United due to fly out to the United States for their preseason tour in a fortnight, it's reported they will accelerate their plans to sign the Serbian international this week. Matic could cost as much as £40m, and - if this report proves to be accurate - could be on the brink of becoming United's second summer signing, following the capture of Victor Lindelöf from Benfica. If true, the move may also put to bed reports that United are set to move for Monaco's Fabinho. The Brazilian had appeared to issue a 'come and get me plea' to Mourinho last week.