It appears Manchester United are beginning to prepare for life without Mourane Fellaini. The 30-year old Belgium international will be out of contract next summer and he will be able to walk away free from Old Trafford at the end of this current season.
Only last week, there were reports in France that the Big Belgian has held preliminary talks with Ligue 1 giants, Paris Saint-Germain. According to that report, PSG are willing to offer the want-away midfielder a four year contract.
In October it was reported that Fellaini had turned down the opening contract the Red Devils offered him. And as it appears, Manchester United would rather let him walk away from free at the end of this season than sell him during the January transfer window.
Jose Mourinho is expectedly concerned about Fellaini’s contract situation and is optimistic that a new deal would be reached with the Belgian. But should this fail to happen, what next? Or rather, who steps in? Who would be possibly replacing the Belgium international at the middle of the pack?
Enter Bryan Crisante. The 22-year old Benfica midfielder is currently on a season long loan with Atalanta where he has proved to be a very key player for the club. He has so far netted 8 goals in 18 appearances for Atalanta.
Bryan Crisante joined Benfica in 2014 from AC Milan’s academy. He however failed to impress in Benfica and he was subsequently farmed out to Palmero on a 16 month loan deal.
Cristante is on loan to Atalanta till the end of this season and Atalanta has an option of buying him for just £10 million at the end of the season. They may want to make brisk business as they have already placed a £31 million valuation on him.
Italian clubs Inter Milan and Juventus as well as Athletico Madrid are all interested in the 22-year old Italian midfielder but are unlikely to meet his £31 million valuation.
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