MLS side Chicago Fire have pulled out of a move for Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic after deeming the Serbian to be too expensive.
Matic joined the Red Devils in 2017 for £40m, but has somewhat declined since his Premier League winning campaign with Chelsea the season prior to his move to Old Trafford.
Now in the last year of his contract, reports suggest Manchester United want £15m for the player, a fee too high for Chicago Fire.
According to the Mail, the MLS franchise were interested in securing a deal for the 31-year-old in January, but considered the asking price so high and withdrew all interest.
Had the deal gone through, Matic would have followed in the footsteps of former Germany international Bastian Schweinsteiger in swapping the Red Devils for the Fire.
In the not too distant past, Matic seemed a lifetime away from Manchester United's starting XI, but the Serbia international has become increasingly involved in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's plans lately, featuring in the club's last five matches in all competitions.
In fact, Matic could stay in Manchester for another year, should the club trigger the one-year extension in his contract.
Should he be picked for United's FA Cup third round replay with Wolves on Wednesday, Matic would make his 100th appearance for the club.
After injuries to Paul Pogba and Scott McTominay, with the former's long-term future at the club looking doubtful, Matic has stepped into the double-pivot alongside Fred in Solskjaer's favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.
Manchester United's last five games have seen them win twice, lose twice and draw once, neatly summing up the inconsistency the Old Trafford faithful have witnessed this season.
The midfield duo of Fred and Matic has not inspired much hope amongst United fans and results reflect those worries. But with McTominay likely to be sidelined for a few more months, Matic will continue to anchor the midfield unless new additions are made this transfer window.
Source :
90min
