Chelsea would be ‘insanely petty’ to stop 28-year-old moving to Man United – journalist
Journalist Miguel Delaney doesn't believe Chelsea would prevent Manchester United from signing Nemanja Matic despite missing out on Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea would have to be “insanely petty” to prevent Nemanja Matic from moving to Manchester United if their bitter rivals win the race to sign Romelu Lukaku, according to Miguel Delaney.
Manchester United are poised to sign the Belgium international in a £75m deal from Everton despite Chelsea being touted as favourites to secure a deal for Lukaku.
The Red Devils are thought to have capitalised on stalled talks between Chelsea and Everton to put together a tempting package to secure Lukaku’s signature.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move to sign Serbia international Nemanja Matic from Chelsea as Antonio Conte looks to partner N’Golo Kante with Monaco midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko next term.
But should Manchester United win the race to sign Lukaku ahead of Chelsea, Conte could rethink selling Mourinho a valuable player to help the Portuguese coach further rebuild the Red Devils team.
However, the Independent’s Delaney doesn’t believe Chelsea would be so petty as to block Manchester United signing Matic, considering the amount that the Red Devils are willing to pay for the defensive midfielder.
“I’ve heard that mooted. I think it would be insanely petty,” Delaney told the Second Captains podcast.
“£40m is a good price for Matic and Chelsea are getting a player who better suits Manchester United’s team. I think it will still happen.”
Chelsea won the Premier League with two games to spare last season thanks to a seven-point cushion over their closest rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
The Blues lost 2-1 to bitter rivals Arsenal in the FA Cup final at Wembley to miss out on the double.
