Nemanja Matic closing in on a free transfer to AS Roma

AS Roma are close to securing a free transfer for Nemanja Matic, reports reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

The Serbian midfielder, whose contract with Manchester United expires this month, has already announced his departure from Old Trafford this summer.

Romano also reports that the 33-year-old will sign a one-year deal with Giallorossi with an option for another, thereby reuniting with Jose Mourinho for the third time, having worked with him at Chelsea and Man Utd.

After winning two Premier League titles with the Blues, Matic sealed an anticipated move to Old Trafford in 2017 to join hands with the Portuguese gaffer.

The former Benfica star has appeared for 189 games during his five-year spell with the Red Devils, not winning any major honour.

Mourinho is poised for a busy summer transfer window after an impressive 2021/22 campaign, leading Giallorossi to the Conference League glory.

Matic’s addition will strengthen the midfield as he has the ability to act as a pivot in a three-man midfield or one of the double pivots.

As far as the exit list is concerned, Mourinho is set to lose Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who is reportedly close to joining fellow Serie A rivals Inter Milan on a free transfer.

The Armenian midfielder has decided against continuing with the capital club and appears to be tempted by the prospect of playing in the Champions League with the Nerazzurri.

Real Madrid’s Isco, who is also set to become a free agent, has been identified as a replacement for Mkhitaryan.

Roma are also said to be ready to sell Nicolo Zaniolo in the summer, with clubs like AC Milan, Juventus and Tottenham Hotspur interested.